At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'taghlid kardan' means to copy someone or something. Think of it like a game of 'follow the leader.' If you see a parrot repeating words, it is 'taghlid kardan.' If a baby makes the same face as their mother, they are 'taghlid kardan.' You don't need to worry about the complex religious or philosophical meanings yet. Just focus on the basic idea of doing what someone else does. For example, 'Man taghlid mikonam' means 'I copy.' It's a simple compound verb where 'kardan' changes like other verbs you know, such as 'kar kardan' (to work) or 'baazi kardan' (to play).
At the A2 level, you should start using 'taghlid kardan' in simple sentences with the preposition 'az.' You should be able to say things like 'The child imitates the father' (Koudak az pedar taghlid mikonad). You also learn that this word is different from 'copy kardan,' which you use for computers and paper. You might use it to talk about animals in a zoo or how you are trying to imitate the pronunciation of your Persian teacher. It's a useful word for describing how you learn new things. You should also recognize the negative form 'taghlid nakon' (don't copy) which is common in classrooms or among siblings.
At the B1 level, you understand the nuances of 'taghlid kardan.' You know it can be used for learning a craft, like painting or music, but it can also be a bit negative if someone is being unoriginal. You are comfortable using it in various tenses, including the past continuous (dashtam taghlid mikardam) and the subjunctive (mi-khaham taghlid konam). You start to see the word in more formal contexts, such as news reports about fashion trends or educational psychology. You also understand the difference between 'taghlid' and 'ada dar avardan,' knowing that 'ada' is more about mocking or making fun of someone's mannerisms.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the social and cultural implications of 'taghlid kardan.' You can talk about 'blind imitation' (taghlid-e kour-kouraneh) in society and how it affects innovation. You are aware of the religious context of the word in Shia Islam, where it refers to following a Marja-i Taqlid, and you can use the word in academic or semi-formal discussions. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'olgoo-bardari' (modeling) and you can choose between them based on whether you want to sound positive or critical. You can also handle more complex grammatical structures involving this verb, such as passive constructions or complex sentences.
At the C1 level, you use 'taghlid kardan' with precision in professional and literary contexts. You can analyze texts that use 'taghlid' as a theme, such as Rumi's poetry where he discusses the danger of imitating others' spiritual states without having one's own experience. You understand the historical etymology from Arabic and how that influences its modern Persian usage. You can use the word in debates about globalization, cultural imperialism, and the 'copying' of Western values. Your speech is fluid, and you use the noun form 'taghlid' in complex phrases like 'dar magham-e taghlid' (in the position of imitation) without hesitation.
At the C2 level, 'taghlid kardan' is just one tool in a vast repertoire of words for emulation, mimicry, and following. You can distinguish between the most subtle shades of meaning—for example, when to use 'equitibas' versus 'taghlid' in a literary critique. You can speak eloquently about the philosophy of 'Taqlid' in Islamic jurisprudence and its evolution over centuries. You are also familiar with archaic or highly poetic uses of the word in classical Persian literature. You can use the word metaphorically in high-level political or philosophical discourse, and you understand every cultural joke or idiom related to the concept of mimicry in Persian society.

تقلید کردن in 30 Seconds

  • A common Persian verb meaning to mimic or imitate behavior and sounds.
  • Used for animals like parrots and humans in social or artistic contexts.
  • Consists of 'taghlid' (imitation) and 'kardan' (to do/make).
  • Requires the preposition 'az' when identifying the person or thing being copied.

The Persian compound verb تقلید کردن (taghlid kardan) is a multifaceted term primarily meaning 'to imitate,' 'to mimic,' or 'to copy.' At its core, it describes the action of following the example, style, or behavior of someone or something else. This can range from a child learning to speak by mimicking their parents to a professional comedian performing impressions of famous celebrities. In the natural world, it is the standard term used to describe how certain animals, like parrots or monkeys, replicate sounds and actions they observe in their environment. The word carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on the context; while it is essential for learning and skill acquisition, it can also imply a lack of originality or blind following.

Biological Mimicry
Used when animals like parrots or lyrebirds copy sounds. Example: طوطی صدای صاحبش را تقلید می‌کند (The parrot mimics its owner's voice).
Artistic Imitation
Refers to students following the style of a master painter or calligrapher to learn the craft. Example: او از سبک نقاشی استادش تقلید می‌کند (He imitates his master's painting style).
Religious Context
Specifically in Shia Islam, it refers to 'Taqlid,' where a layperson follows the legal rulings of a Marja-i Taqlid (Source of Emulation).

بسیاری از پرندگان می‌توانند صداهای محیط اطراف خود را تقلید کنند.

Many birds can mimic the sounds of their surrounding environment.

In social situations, you might hear this word when someone is being accused of not being themselves. If a teenager starts dressing exactly like a famous pop star, their friends might say they are 'taghlid kardan.' It is also used in the tech and business world to describe 'copycat' products or business models. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it isn't just about 'copying' a file (which would be 'copy kardan' or 'ronvesht bardari'), but rather about the behavioral act of emulation. It implies a conscious or subconscious effort to be like something else.

کودکان با تقلید کردن از والدین خود، مهارت‌های زندگی را می‌آموزند.

Children learn life skills by imitating their parents.

Historically, the word has deep roots in Arabic, where the concept of 'Qalada' (to put a collar on) led to the idea of 'following' someone as if led by a collar. In Persian literature, poets often speak of 'taghlid' as a barrier to true spiritual discovery, urging seekers to move beyond mere imitation of the ancestors and find their own direct experience of truth. Thus, when you use this word today, you are tapping into a long history of philosophical and practical discussion about the nature of originality versus tradition.

Using تقلید کردن correctly involves understanding its structure as a compound verb. The noun 'taghlid' remains stationary while the auxiliary verb 'kardan' (to do/make) conjugates to show tense, person, and number. In a standard sentence, the object being imitated is usually followed by the preposition 'az' (from), though sometimes it can be a direct object depending on the nuance. For example, 'I imitated him' is 'Man az oo taghlid kardam.'

Present Continuous
دارم تقلید می‌کنم (I am imitating). Used for an ongoing action right now.
Past Simple
آن‌ها تقلید کردند (They imitated). Used for a completed action in the past.
Imperative (Command)
تقلید نکن! (Don't imitate!). Often said to someone being unoriginal or annoying.

او سعی می‌کند رفتار بازیگران مشهور را تقلید کند.

He tries to imitate the behavior of famous actors.

When discussing animals, the verb is almost always neutral. However, when applied to adults in a social context, it can be a critique. For instance, 'taghlid-e kour-kouraneh' (blind imitation) is a common phrase used to describe someone who follows a trend or a leader without thinking. In academic writing, you might see 'ghabel-e taghlid' (imitable) to describe a study or a methodology that can be replicated by other researchers. The versatility of 'kardan' allows for various modal constructions as well, such as 'bayad taghlid konid' (you must imitate) or 'mi-tavanid taghlid konid' (you can imitate).

چرا از برادرت تقلید می‌کنی؟

Why are you imitating your brother?

Another important aspect is the negative form. To say someone is original, you might say they 'taghlid nemikonand' (they don't imitate). In formal settings, the verb can be replaced with more sophisticated synonyms like 'peyravi kardan' (to follow) or 'olgoo-bardari kardan' (to model after), but 'taghlid kardan' remains the most common and widely understood term for general mimicry. Whether you are describing a parrot, a student, or a religious follower, the structure remains consistent, making it a reliable verb for B1 learners to master.

You will encounter تقلید کردن in a variety of real-world scenarios in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. One of the most common places is in schools and educational environments. Teachers often use the word when discussing how children learn. You might hear a teacher say, 'Koudakan az moallem-e khod taghlid mikonand' (Children imitate their teacher). It’s a fundamental concept in the developmental psychology discussed in Persian media and parenting blogs.

Entertainment & Comedy
In variety shows or stand-up comedy, performers often 'taghlid-e seda' (mimic voices). An impressionist is called a 'moghalled' (one who imitates).
Religious Life
In religious settings, you will hear about 'Taqlid' in the context of following a Grand Ayatollah. This is a formal, institutionalized use of the word.
Daily Social Interactions
Friends might use it jokingly when one person repeats what another said. 'Dâri taghlid-e mano mikoni?' (Are you imitating me?).

او در تقلید کردن صدای دیگران بسیار ماهر است.

He is very skilled at mimicking other people's voices.

In the news, you might hear this word in discussions about intellectual property or fashion. If a local brand copies a Western design, journalists might use the term to describe the lack of innovation. In nature documentaries (which are very popular in Iran), the narrator will frequently use 'taghlid kardan' to describe the survival mechanisms of insects or birds. This wide range of usage—from the sacred to the mundane—makes it a high-frequency verb that appears in both formal literature and casual street talk.

در هنر، تقلید کردن اولین قدم برای یادگیری است.

In art, imitating is the first step toward learning.

Finally, in the digital age, while 'copy kardan' is used for clicking 'copy' on a computer, 'taghlid kardan' is used for the broader social phenomenon of 'copying' someone's online persona or content style. If a YouTuber mimics another's editing style, the comment section might be filled with the word 'taghlid.' Knowing where and how to use this word will significantly improve your ability to engage in nuanced conversations about behavior and society in Persian.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using تقلید کردن is confusing it with 'copy kardan.' While both can be translated as 'to copy' in English, their usage in Persian is distinct. 'Copy kardan' is specifically used for technical duplication—like photocopying a document or copying a file on a computer. In contrast, 'taghlid kardan' is used for behavior, sounds, and styles. If you say you 'taghlid' a document, it sounds like you are trying to act like a piece of paper, which is nonsensical.

Wrong Preposition
Mistake: 'Man oo ra taghlid kardam.' Correct: 'Man az oo taghlid kardam.' Always use 'az' when specifying the source of imitation.
Confusing with 'Ada dar avardan'
While 'taghlid' can be neutral, 'ada dar avardan' is almost always mocking or making fun of someone. Using 'taghlid' when you mean to be insulting might be too soft.
Incorrect Conjugation
Forgetting that 'kardan' is the part that changes. Some learners try to change the 'taghlid' part, but it remains a noun throughout all tenses.

اشتباه: من این فایل را تقلید کردم. (غلط)

Mistake: I 'imitated' this file. (Should use 'copy' or 'ronvesht')

Another mistake involves the intensity of the word. In some contexts, 'taghlid' is too formal. For example, if kids are playing and one is mimicking the other, 'taghlid' might sound like a psychological report. In casual settings, 'adâ-sho dar miâre' (he's doing his act/mimicking him) is much more natural. Conversely, in a religious or academic setting, using 'ada dar avardan' would be highly inappropriate and potentially offensive. Choosing the right level of formality is a key skill for B1 learners.

درست: او از رفتار پدرش تقلید می‌کند.

Correct: He imitates his father's behavior.

Finally, be careful with the word 'Moghalled.' While it means 'imitator,' it is also the term for a follower of a Marja. Depending on the room you are in, the word can imply a devout religious person or a person who lacks their own personality. Always read the room before using the noun form. For the verb form, sticking to the 'az + [Source] + taghlid kardan' pattern will keep you safe in 90% of situations.

Persian is a language rich with synonyms, and تقلید کردن has several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. Knowing these will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express precise meanings. The most common alternative is 'peyravi kardan,' which means 'to follow.' While 'taghlid' is about mimicry, 'peyravi' is about following a path, a leader, or a set of rules. You 'peyravi' a leader's orders, but you 'taghlid' their way of speaking.

کپی کردن (Copy Kardan)
Technical duplication. Used for files, documents, and digital content.
الگوبرداری کردن (Olgoo-bardari Kardan)
To model after. This is a very positive, professional term used in business and education. 'We modeled our system after theirs.'
ادا درآوردن (Ada Dar Avardan)
To mock or mimic in a funny/teasing way. Informal and often used among friends or when complaining about someone.
رونوشت برداری (Ronvesht Bardari)
Formal/Bureaucratic term for making a copy or a transcript of a document.

بجای تقلید کردن، سعی کن خودت باشی.

Instead of imitating, try to be yourself.

In literary contexts, you might encounter 'equitibas kardan,' which means to borrow or quote from a text. If a writer uses a theme from another book, they are 'equitibas'ing, not 'taghlid'ing. Another word is 'shabih-sazi,' which means 'simulation' or 'making something similar.' This is used in science and technology, like a flight simulator (shabih-saz-e parvaz). 'Taghlid' is unique because it captures the human and animal element of mimicry that these other words often miss.

او از سبک بزرگان الگوبرداری می‌کند.

He models his work after the greats (more positive than 'taghlid').

When you want to emphasize that someone is just a 'copycat' without any talent of their own, 'taghlid-gar' (imitator) can be used as a noun. However, if you want to be more poetic, you might say they are 'naqsh-e bar ab' (a pattern on water), implying their imitation has no substance. In summary, while 'taghlid kardan' is your go-to verb for most mimicry, being aware of 'peyravi,' 'olgoo-bardari,' and 'ada dar avardan' will give your Persian a much higher degree of sophistication and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"پژوهشگران رفتار میمون‌ها را در تقلید از انسان مطالعه کردند."

Neutral

"او از سبک زندگی دیگران تقلید می‌کند."

Informal

"داری از من تقلید می‌کنی؟"

Child friendly

"ببین طوطی چطوری حرف‌های ما رو تقلید می‌کنه!"

Slang

"اینقدر ادا منو در نیار (تقلید نکن)!"

Fun Fact

In ancient times, 'taghlid' was used for the ceremony of investing a king with a sword or a robe of honor, essentially 'collaring' them with authority.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæɡˈliːd kærˈdæn/
US /tæɡˈlid kɑrˈdæn/
The primary stress is on the last syllable of the noun 'taghlid' and the last syllable of the verb 'kardan'.
Rhymes With
تأیید کردن (ta'yid kardan) تمجید کردن (tamjid kardan) تبعید کردن (tab'id kardan) خورشید (khorshid) امید (omid) ناامید (na-omid) سعید (sa'id) جدید (jadid)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'gh' as a hard 'g'. It should be more like the French 'r' or a gargling sound.
  • Using a short 'i' in 'taghlid'. It must be a long 'ee' sound.
  • Putting stress on the first syllable of 'taghlid'.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 'd' at the end of 'taghlid' clearly before starting 'kardan'.
  • Pronouncing 'kardan' like 'garden'. The 'k' is aspirated.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once the root is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'gh' (ق).

Speaking 5/5

The 'gh' and 'l' combination can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن از صدا رفتار بچه

Learn Next

پیروی کردن الگوبرداری خلاقیت اصالت نوآوری

Advanced

اجتهاد مرجعیت اقتباس شبیه‌سازی تظاهر

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Kardan'

تقلید کردن، کار کردن، بازی کردن

Preposition 'Az' with source

از او تقلید کردم.

Direct Object Marker 'Ra'

صدایش را تقلید کرد.

Subjunctive Mood with 'Sa'y Kardan'

سعی می‌کنم تقلید کنم.

Present Continuous with 'Dashtan'

دارم تقلید می‌کنم.

Examples by Level

1

طوطی تقلید می‌کند.

The parrot mimics.

Simple present 3rd person singular.

2

من از تو تقلید نمی‌کنم.

I am not imitating you.

Negative present tense.

3

بچه تقلید کرد.

The baby imitated.

Simple past tense.

4

او صدای گربه را تقلید می‌کند.

He mimics the cat's sound.

Direct object with 'ra'.

5

ما تقلید می‌کنیم.

We imitate.

1st person plural.

6

آیا تو تقلید می‌کنی؟

Do you imitate?

Interrogative sentence.

7

آن‌ها از من تقلید کردند.

They imitated from me.

Past tense with 'az'.

8

تقلید نکن!

Don't imitate!

Imperative negative.

1

میمون‌ها حرکات انسان را تقلید می‌کنند.

Monkeys mimic human movements.

Subject-Object-Verb order.

2

او سعی می‌کند از برادرش تقلید کند.

He tries to imitate his brother.

Compound verb with 'sa'y kardan'.

3

چرا داری از من تقلید می‌کنی؟

Why are you imitating me?

Present continuous tense.

4

کودکان از والدین خود تقلید می‌کنند.

Children imitate their parents.

Use of reflexive pronoun 'khod'.

5

او می‌تواند صدای پرندگان را تقلید کند.

He can mimic bird sounds.

Modal verb 'tavanestan'.

6

ما نباید از کارهای بد تقلید کنیم.

We shouldn't imitate bad actions.

Modal verb 'nabayad'.

7

او در مدرسه از معلمش تقلید کرد.

He imitated his teacher at school.

Prepositional phrase 'dar madreseh'.

8

این طوطی خیلی خوب تقلید می‌کند.

This parrot mimics very well.

Adverb 'kheyli khoob'.

1

او سبک نقاشی استادش را تقلید می‌کند.

He imitates his master's painting style.

Specific noun 'sabk' (style).

2

بسیاری از هنرمندان جوان از پیشکسوتان تقلید می‌کنند.

Many young artists imitate the veterans.

Plural subject and object.

3

او در حال تقلید کردن از رفتار رئیسش بود.

He was in the middle of imitating his boss's behavior.

Past continuous 'dar hal-e'.

4

تقلید کردن از دیگران همیشه کار درستی نیست.

Imitating others is not always the right thing to do.

Gerund usage as subject.

5

او صدای بازیگران مشهور را به زیبایی تقلید می‌کند.

He mimics famous actors' voices beautifully.

Adverbial phrase 'be zibayi'.

6

آیا فکر می‌کنی او دارد از من تقلید می‌کند؟

Do you think he is imitating me?

Embedded question.

7

او سعی داشت سبک زندگی غربی را تقلید کند.

He was trying to imitate the Western lifestyle.

Complex past construction.

8

نباید بدون فکر از مد تقلید کرد.

One should not imitate fashion without thinking.

Impersonal 'bayad' construction.

1

تقلید کورکورانه از فرهنگ‌های دیگر خطرناک است.

Blind imitation of other cultures is dangerous.

Adjective 'kour-kouraneh'.

2

او به عنوان یک مقلد حرفه‌ای در تلویزیون فعالیت می‌کند.

He works as a professional imitator on television.

Noun 'moghalled' (imitator).

3

در مذهب شیعه، تقلید از یک مجتهد واجب است.

In the Shia religion, following a Mujtahid is mandatory.

Religious terminology.

4

نویسنده سعی کرده است از سبک هدایت تقلید کند.

The writer has tried to imitate Hedayat's style.

Present perfect 'sa'y kardeh ast'.

5

این شرکت محصولات رقیب را تقلید می‌کند.

This company mimics the competitor's products.

Business context.

6

او از حرکات دست من تقلید کرد تا منظورم را بفهمد.

He imitated my hand gestures to understand my meaning.

Conjunction 'ta' (so that).

7

تقلید کردن از طبیعت یکی از اصول هنر است.

Imitating nature is one of the principles of art.

Abstract concept.

8

او متهم شد که از کارهای دیگران تقلید کرده است.

He was accused of having imitated others' works.

Passive 'moteham shod'.

1

تقلید، اگرچه در ابتدا برای یادگیری مفید است، اما می‌تواند مانع خلاقیت شود.

Imitation, although initially useful for learning, can hinder creativity.

Concessive clause 'agar-che'.

2

او با مهارتی شگفت‌انگیز، لهجه‌های مختلف را تقلید می‌کند.

With amazing skill, he mimics various accents.

Complex adverbial phrase.

3

بسیاری از فلاسفه بر این باورند که هنر نوعی تقلید از واقعیت است.

Many philosophers believe that art is a kind of imitation of reality.

Philosophical register.

4

او از رفتارهای اجتماعی طبقه متوسط تقلید می‌کرد تا در میان آن‌ها پذیرفته شود.

He imitated the social behaviors of the middle class to be accepted among them.

Sociological context.

5

در این مقاله، نویسنده به نقد تقلید در ادبیات معاصر می‌پردازد.

In this article, the author critiques imitation in contemporary literature.

Formal academic 'mi-pardazad'.

6

او بدون اینکه متوجه باشد، تکیه‌کلام‌های دوستش را تقلید می‌کرد.

Without realizing it, he was mimicking his friend's catchphrases.

Adverbial clause 'bedoon-e inke'.

7

تقلید از مدل‌های اقتصادی غربی بدون بومی‌سازی با شکست مواجه می‌شود.

Imitating Western economic models without localization will face failure.

Economic/Political register.

8

او چنان دقیق تقلید می‌کرد که تشخیص اصل از بدل دشوار بود.

He imitated so precisely that distinguishing the original from the fake was difficult.

Result clause 'chonan... ke'.

1

مولوی در مثنوی، تقلید را حجابی برای رسیدن به حقیقت می‌داند.

Rumi in the Masnavi considers imitation a veil to reaching the truth.

Classical literary reference.

2

او با استادی تمام، سبک غزل‌سرایی حافظ را تقلید کرده است.

With complete mastery, he has imitated Hafez's ghazal-writing style.

Literary mastery context.

3

بحث در مورد مشروعیت تقلید در فقه اسلامی قرن‌ها ادامه داشته است.

The discussion regarding the legitimacy of imitation in Islamic jurisprudence has continued for centuries.

Jurisprudential terminology.

4

او از چنان هوش هیجانی بالایی برخوردار است که می‌تواند کوچکترین حرکات را تقلید کند.

He possesses such high emotional intelligence that he can mimic the smallest movements.

High-level psychological description.

5

تقلید در این اثر نه یک کپی‌برداری ساده، بلکه یک بازآفرینی هنری است.

Imitation in this work is not a simple copying, but an artistic recreation.

Artistic critique register.

6

او با تقلید از لحن طنزآمیز نویسنده، عمق فاجعه را به تصویر کشید.

By mimicking the author's satirical tone, he portrayed the depth of the tragedy.

Sophisticated narrative analysis.

7

پدیده تقلید در جوامع در حال گذار، پیچیدگی‌های خاص خود را دارد.

The phenomenon of imitation in societies in transition has its own specific complexities.

Sociological terminology.

8

او از هرگونه تقلید دوری می‌جست تا صدایی منحصر به فرد در موسیقی بیابد.

He avoided any kind of imitation to find a unique voice in music.

Literary verb 'doori jostan'.

Common Collocations

تقلید کورکورانه
تقلید صدا
مرجع تقلید
سبک تقلیدی
قوه تقلید
بدون تقلید
حق تقلید
تقلید مستقیم
دوران تقلید
مهارت تقلید

Common Phrases

دست از تقلید برداشتن

— To stop imitating and start being original.

باید دست از تقلید برداری.

تقلید محض

— Pure or absolute imitation without any change.

این کار تقلید محض است.

به قصد تقلید

— With the intention of imitating.

او به قصد تقلید این کار را کرد.

راه و رسم تقلید

— The ways and traditions of imitation.

او راه و رسم تقلید را می‌داند.

تقلید ناشیانه

— Clumsy or amateurish imitation.

این یک تقلید ناشیانه از نقاشی اصلی است.

تقلید میمون‌وار

— Ape-like or mindless imitation.

تقلید میمون‌وار سودی ندارد.

در مقام تقلید

— In the position of being an imitator.

او در مقام تقلید حرف می‌زند.

حد تقلید

— The limit or extent of imitation.

باید حد تقلید را رعایت کرد.

تقلید از روی آگاهی

— Imitation based on knowledge/awareness.

او تقلید از روی آگاهی را ترجیح می‌دهد.

بازار تقلید

— A market full of copycat products.

بازار تقلید در این شهر داغ است.

Often Confused With

تقلید کردن vs کپی کردن

Used for documents/files, not behavior.

تقلید کردن vs تکرار کردن

Means 'to repeat' words, not necessarily mimic behavior.

تقلید کردن vs پیروی کردن

Means 'to follow' rules or leaders, more formal.

Idioms & Expressions

"میمون هر چی می‌بینه تقلید می‌کنه"

— A common saying meaning someone copies everything they see without thinking.

مثل میمون هر چی می‌بینه تقلید می‌کنه.

informal
"طوطی‌وار تقلید کردن"

— To repeat or copy something without understanding the meaning.

او طوطی‌وار درس‌ها را تقلید می‌کند.

neutral
"رنگ تقلید به خود گرفتن"

— To take on the color of imitation; to become unoriginal.

کارهای او رنگ تقلید به خود گرفته است.

literary
"در دام تقلید افتادن"

— To fall into the trap of imitation.

بسیاری از جوانان در دام تقلید می‌افتند.

neutral
"سایه تقلید"

— The shadow of imitation; living in someone else's shadow.

او زیر سایه تقلید از پدرش مانده است.

literary
"لباس تقلید پوشیدن"

— To wear the clothes of imitation; to pretend to be someone else.

او لباس تقلید پوشیده و خودش نیست.

poetic
"زنجیر تقلید"

— The chains of imitation; being bound by tradition.

باید زنجیر تقلید را پاره کرد.

literary
"آیینه تقلید"

— The mirror of imitation; reflecting others' actions.

او آیینه تقلید دوستانش شده است.

poetic
"نردبان تقلید"

— The ladder of imitation; using imitation to climb/succeed.

او از نردبان تقلید بالا رفت.

literary
"گرد و غبار تقلید"

— The dust of imitation; something that obscures original thought.

گرد و غبار تقلید روی هنرش نشسته است.

poetic

Easily Confused

تقلید کردن vs رونویسی

Both involve copying.

Ronvesi is specifically for writing text.

او از روی مشق رونویسی کرد.

تقلید کردن vs ادا

Both involve mimicry.

Ada is usually mocking or funny.

ادا معلم را در آورد.

تقلید کردن vs شبیه‌سازی

Both involve making things similar.

Shabih-sazi is scientific/technical simulation.

شبیه‌سازی پرواز انجام شد.

تقلید کردن vs اقتباس

Both involve using others' ideas.

Equitibas is for literary/artistic adaptation.

این فیلم اقتباس از کتاب است.

تقلید کردن vs جعل

Both involve copying an original.

Ja'l is illegal forgery.

او امضای من را جعل کرد.

Sentence Patterns

A1

من تقلید می‌کنم.

من تقلید می‌کنم.

A2

او از [اسم] تقلید می‌کند.

او از پدرش تقلید می‌کند.

B1

آن‌ها [صفت] تقلید می‌کنند.

آن‌ها خوب تقلید می‌کنند.

B2

تقلید کردن از [اسم] [صفت] است.

تقلید کردن از دیگران سخت است.

C1

با وجود تقلید، او [فعل].

با وجود تقلید، او موفق نشد.

C2

[اسم] در مقام تقلید از [اسم] برآمد.

شاعر در مقام تقلید از حافظ برآمد.

B1

سعی کن از من تقلید نکنی.

سعی کن از من تقلید نکنی.

A2

آیا می‌توانی صدای من را تقلید کنی؟

آیا می‌توانی صدای من را تقلید کنی؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

High in educational, artistic, and religious contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'taghlid' for computer files. Copy kardan

    Taghlid is for human/animal behavior.

  • Saying 'Man oo ra taghlid kardam'. Man az oo taghlid kardam.

    The preposition 'az' is mandatory for the source.

  • Pronouncing 'gh' like 'g'. Uvular 'gh'

    It changes the clarity of the word.

  • Using 'taghlid' when mocking someone. Ada dar avardan

    Taghlid is too neutral for mocking.

  • Forgetting 'kardan' in the past tense. Taghlid kardam

    Taghlid is a noun, kardan is the verb.

Tips

The Throat Sound

Practice the 'gh' in taghlid. It's the same sound as in 'Ghermez' (Red).

The 'Az' Rule

Always remember 'az' when you are imitating FROM someone.

Beyond Taghlid

Learn 'olgoo-bardari' to sound more professional in business meetings.

Respect the Marja

Understand that 'Taqlid' has a very serious religious meaning for many Iranians.

Parrot Power

Use 'taghlid' whenever you talk about parrots; it's the perfect word.

Stop Mocking

Use 'ada dar avardan' if someone is annoying you by mimicking you.

Spelling Check

Don't forget the 'd' at the end of taghlid before 'kardan'.

Step 1: Taghlid

In Persian calligraphy, you must taghlid the master's lines exactly.

Context Clues

If you hear 'taghlid' in a mosque, it's religious. In a zoo, it's about animals.

Tag the Lid

Remember: Tag the Lid to copy the style!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Tag' on a 'Lid'. If you see a cool tag on a lid, you might want to 'taghlid' (imitate) it for your own jar.

Visual Association

Imagine a parrot wearing a large necklace (collar) and repeating everything you say. The necklace reminds you of the root meaning 'collar'.

Word Web

Mimicry Parrot Copycat Follower Tradition Religion Art Learning

Challenge

Try to spend 5 minutes today identifying things in your room that are 'taghlidi' (imitations of something else) and say 'In taghlidi ast' out loud.

Word Origin

The word 'taghlid' is derived from the Arabic root Q-L-D (ق-ل-د), which literally means to hang something around the neck, like a necklace (qalada).

Original meaning: The original meaning referred to placing a collar or garland on someone. This evolved into the metaphorical sense of 'entrusting' one's affairs to another or 'following' them as if led by a collar.

Semitic root (Arabic) integrated into Indo-European (Persian) grammar.

Cultural Context

Be careful using this word in religious contexts in Iran, as 'Taqlid' is a specific theological practice. Avoid mocking the term in front of devout individuals.

In English, 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.' In Persian, 'taghlid' is often viewed more critically as a lack of 'khallaghiyat' (creativity).

Rumi's Masnavi (critique of blind imitation) Marja-i Taqlid (religious authority) Impressionist shows on Iranian TV (Taghlid-e Seda)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Classroom

  • از من تقلید کنید
  • تقلید نکنید
  • چرا تقلید می‌کنی؟
  • تمرین تقلید

Art Studio

  • تقلید از استاد
  • سبک تقلیدی
  • کپی نکن
  • خودت بکش

Zoo/Nature

  • تقلید صدای پرنده
  • میمون مقلد
  • رفتار غریزی
  • مشاهده تقلید

Religion

  • مرجع تقلید
  • رساله توضیح‌المسائل
  • واجب بودن تقلید
  • احکام تقلید

Social Critique

  • تقلید کورکورانه
  • مدگرایی
  • بی‌هویتی
  • دنباله‌رو بودن

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال سعی کرده‌اید صدای کسی را تقلید کنید؟"

"به نظر شما تقلید در هنر خوب است یا بد؟"

"چرا کودکان اینقدر از والدینشان تقلید می‌کنند؟"

"آیا شما مرجع تقلید دارید؟ (Context: Religious discussion)"

"کدام حیوان در تقلید کردن از همه بهتر است؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که از سبک کسی تقلید کردید تا چیزی یاد بگیرید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید تقلید کورکورانه از فرهنگ‌های دیگر به جامعه آسیب می‌زند؟

نقش تقلید در یادگیری زبان فارسی برای شما چیست؟

تفاوت بین تقلید و الهام گرفتن (inspiration) را توضیح دهید.

اگر یک طوطی داشتید، دوست داشتید چه جمله‌ای را تقلید کند؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'copy kardan'. 'Taghlid' is for behavior and sounds.

Not at all. In learning arts or language, it is seen as a necessary first step.

It is a high-ranking cleric in Shia Islam whose legal rulings are followed by laypeople.

You can say 'Az man taghlid nakon' or more informally 'Ada-ye mano dar nayar'.

'Taghlid' is mimicry of actions/sounds; 'peyravi' is following principles or leadership.

Yes, 'taghlid az mod' means following fashion trends.

Yes, it is the standard word for parrots and monkeys.

It is 'taghlid-e kour-kouraneh'.

No, it is a voiced sound produced in the back of the throat.

Usually 'baz-sakht' (remake) or 'equitibas' (adaptation) is better.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'taghlid kardan' about a parrot.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a child imitating their mother.

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writing

Explain why 'blind imitation' is bad in Persian.

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writing

Translate: 'Don't imitate others.'

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writing

Write a short paragraph about how you learn Persian using imitation.

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writing

Use the word 'مقلد' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The monkey imitated my hand movements.'

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writing

Describe a professional impressionist's job using 'taghlid'.

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writing

Write a sentence about artistic imitation.

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writing

Translate: 'We should not follow fashion blindly.'

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writing

Write a question asking someone if they are imitating you.

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writing

Use 'قابل تقلید' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Imitation is the first step in learning.'

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writing

Write about the religious meaning of 'Taqlid'.

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writing

Translate: 'He was mimicking my walk.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'بدون تقلید'.

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writing

Translate: 'Parrots can mimic many sounds.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the past perfect of 'taghlid kardan'.

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writing

Translate: 'Why did you imitate his behavior?'

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writing

Use 'تقلید صدا' in a sentence.

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speaking

Say 'The parrot mimics me' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask 'Why are you imitating my voice?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell someone 'Don't imitate me' informally.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Children imitate their parents.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'Taghlid Kardan' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He is a professional imitator.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain 'blind imitation' in one sentence.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am imitating my teacher.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Mimicry is an animal behavior.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Who is your Marja-i Taqlid?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Stop imitating him.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'He imitates famous actors.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I can mimic bird sounds.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Imitation helps in learning.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'He was imitating my walk.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Don't follow fashion blindly.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'This is a copycat product.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The monkey imitated me.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'She imitates her sister's style.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I don't like to imitate others.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: 'طوطی صدای من را تقلید کرد.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the source: 'او از پدرش تقلید می‌کند.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen for the adjective: 'تقلید کورکورانه بد است.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Identify the noun: 'او یک مقلد است.'

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listening

Listen and translate: 'تقلید نکن.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the tense: 'داشتم تقلید می‌کردم.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the object: 'او حرکات من را تقلید کرد.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and translate: 'چرا تقلید می‌کنی؟'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen for the preposition: 'از من تقلید کرد.'

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listening

Listen and identify the subject: 'بچه‌ها تقلید می‌کنند.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the modal: 'نباید تقلید کنیم.'

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listening

Listen and translate: 'او صدای گربه را تقلید کرد.'

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listening

Listen and identify the place: 'در مدرسه تقلید کرد.'

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listening

Listen and identify the person: 'از معلم تقلید کرد.'

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listening

Listen and translate: 'تقلید اولین قدم است.'

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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