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تکلیف

A1 noun 6 min read

تکلیف

taklif

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تکلیف in 30 Seconds

Explanation تکلیف in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Taklif' is one of the first words you learn in the context of school and daily routine. You will use it primarily to say 'I have homework' (Man taklif daram) or 'I am doing my homework' (Man daram taklifam ro anjam midam). The focus is on the concrete meaning of school assignments. You should learn it alongside school-related words like 'mo'allem' (teacher), 'ketab' (book), and 'madreseh' (school). At this stage, don't worry about the abstract meanings like 'legal obligation'; just focus on the student's perspective. It is a vital word for describing your evening activities in basic conversation. You might also hear it in the phrase 'taklif-e shab', which literally means 'nightly duty' but is the standard way to say 'homework'. Remembering this word will help you understand the most common question Persian parents ask their children.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Taklif' in more complete sentences and learn its plural form, 'Takalif'. You can start describing the frequency and difficulty of assignments, such as 'Taklif-e sakht' (hard homework) or 'Taklif-e ziad' (a lot of homework). You'll also learn the verb 'neveshtan' (to write) in combination with 'taklif'. At this stage, you might encounter the word in slightly more varied contexts, such as a simple instruction from an employer or a guide. You should be able to ask others if they have finished their work using this word. You will also start to see how 'taklif' is used with possessive endings, like 'taklif-at' (your homework) or 'taklif-ash' (his/her homework). Understanding the connection between 'taklif' and 'anjam dadan' (to do/perform) is crucial here.

At the B1 level, you move beyond the classroom. You start to encounter 'Taklif' as 'duty' or 'obligation' in social and family settings. You will learn the important idiomatic phrase 'Ta'yin-e taklif' (clarifying the situation/deciding the fate). This is used when someone wants to know what they are supposed to do in a confusing situation. For example, 'Bayad taklif-e in moshkel ro rowshan konim' (We must clarify the status of this problem). You'll also see it used in more formal texts, such as news articles or simple literature, where it refers to the responsibilities of individuals in society. At this level, you should distinguish 'taklif' from 'vazifeh' (general duty) and 'mas'uliyat' (responsibility), noting that 'taklif' often feels more 'imposed' or 'assigned' by an external force or authority.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the abstract and formal uses of 'Taklif'. You will encounter it in legal and administrative Persian, where it refers to the 'obligations' of a party in a contract or the 'duties' of a citizen under the law. You'll understand the nuance of 'Taklif-e shar'i' (religious obligation) and its significance in Persian culture and discourse. You can use the word to discuss ethics and philosophy, questioning what the 'taklif' of a person is in a moral dilemma. Your vocabulary will include more complex collocations like 'fara-taklif' (beyond duty) or 'adam-e anjam-e taklif' (failure to perform duty). You will also be able to navigate conversations where 'taklif' is used to express frustration about a lack of clarity in professional or personal relationships.

At the C1 level, you use 'Taklif' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its etymological roots in the Arabic 'K-L-F' and how that history colors its meaning of 'burden' or 'cost'. You can analyze literary texts where 'Taklif' is used metaphorically to describe the human condition or existential burdens. You are familiar with its use in high-level political and theological debates in Iran. You can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as passive forms ('taklif moshakhas shodeh ast') or in formal written reports. You also understand the subtle social cues when someone uses the word 'taklif' to subtly shift responsibility or to demand clarity in a high-stakes negotiation. Your grasp of 'taklif' allows you to discuss the nuances of Iranian law and the 'Celebration of Obligation' (Jashn-e Taklif) with cultural depth.

At the C2 level, 'Taklif' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You can engage in academic discussions about the 'Philosophy of Taklif' versus the 'Philosophy of Haqq' (Right) in Islamic jurisprudence and modern Persian thought. You recognize the word in classical Persian poetry and can interpret its various shades of meaning across different historical eras. You can write legal briefs or academic papers where 'Taklif' is used to define precise boundaries of obligation. You are also a master of the word's idiomatic potential, using it in sarcasm, irony, or profound rhetorical questions. You understand the deepest cultural resonances of the word, including its role in the social contract of Persian-speaking societies. For you, 'Taklif' is not just 'homework'; it is a fundamental concept of Iranian social and moral architecture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تکلیف in 30 Seconds

Taklif primarily means homework assigned to students in a school setting.
It also signifies a duty, obligation, or responsibility imposed by an authority.
The word is commonly used in religious contexts (Jashn-e Taklif) and legal settings.
Idiomatically, it refers to the clarity of a situation or one's status (Ta'yin-e Taklif).

The Persian word تکلیف (pronounced 'taklif') is a versatile noun that primarily translates to 'homework' or 'school assignment' in an educational context. However, its roots dive much deeper into the concepts of duty, obligation, and responsibility. For a beginner (A1 level), you will mostly encounter it when talking about school. If a child says, 'Man taklif daram,' they are simply saying, 'I have homework.' But as you progress, you'll see it used in legal, religious, and personal contexts to describe a burden or a task one is mandated to perform.

Educational Context: In schools across Iran and Persian-speaking regions, this is the standard term for any work assigned by a teacher to be completed outside of class. It encompasses reading, writing, and problem-solving.

آیا تکلیف ریاضی خود را انجام داده‌ای؟ (Have you done your math homework?)

Religious and Legal Context: The term 'Jashn-e Taklif' refers to the 'Celebration of Obligation,' a ceremony marking the age when a young person becomes responsible for performing religious duties like prayer and fasting.

این یک تکلیف اخلاقی است که به دیگران کمک کنیم. (It is a moral duty to help others.)

Idiomatic Usage: The phrase 'Ta'yin-e Taklif' means to clarify a situation or make a final decision so that one knows what their duty or next step is.

معلم برای فردا تکلیف زیادی داد. (The teacher gave a lot of homework for tomorrow.)

هنوز تکلیف این پروژه مشخص نیست. (The status/duty of this project is not clear yet.)

او به تکلیف خود عمل کرد. (He performed his duty.)

Using 'Taklif' correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings. In the context of homework, the most frequent verbs are 'dashtan' (to have), 'anjam dadan' (to do/perform), and 'neveshtan' (to write). For beginners, 'Taklif-e shab' (nightly homework) is a phrase you will hear constantly. As you move toward more formal or abstract usage, 'Taklif' pairs with verbs like 'amal kardan' (to act upon/fulfill) or 'moshakhas kardan' (to specify/clarify).

Daily School Life: When a student comes home, the first question is often about their 'taklif'. It acts as a countable noun in some contexts but is often used collectively. You can say 'takalif' (plural) to refer to multiple assignments.

من باید تکالیف مدرسه را بنویسم. (I must write my school homework.)

Clarifying Situations: One of the most powerful uses of 'Taklif' is in the phrase 'Taklif-e khod ra danestan' (to know one's duty/position). This is used in relationships, business, and politics to express certainty about what to do next.

بالاخره تکلیف ما با این شرکت روشن شد. (Finally, our status with this company became clear.)

او همیشه تکالیفش را به موقع تحویل می‌دهد. (He always submits his homework on time.)

آیا می‌دانی تکلیف ما چیست؟ (Do you know what our duty is?)

لطفاً تکلیف من را روشن کنید. (Please clarify my situation/duty.)

In Iran, the word 'Taklif' echoes through the hallways of every 'dabirestan' (high school) and 'dabestan' (elementary school). It is the quintessential word for the student experience. However, its usage extends far beyond the classroom. You will hear it in religious sermons, where the 'Taklif' of a believer is discussed, and in legal settings where the 'Taklif' of a citizen or a contract party is debated. It is a word that carries the weight of expectation.

The Iranian School System: Students often complain about 'Taklif-e ziad' (too much homework). It's a common topic of bonding and frustration among peers. Parents will often ask 'Dars o taklifet tamoom shod?' (Is your lesson and homework finished?).

بچه‌ها، برای فردا هیچ تکلیفی ندارید. (Kids, you have no homework for tomorrow.)

News and Media: In news broadcasts, you might hear analysts discuss the 'Taklif' of the government regarding a new law. Here, it means legal obligation or mandate. It implies a formal requirement that must be met.

او به سن تکلیف رسیده است. (He/She has reached the age of religious obligation.)

دولت در این زمینه تکلیف قانونی دارد. (The government has a legal duty in this regard.)

ما باید تکلیف خود را در قبال محیط زیست بدانیم. (We must know our duty toward the environment.)

One common mistake learners make is confusing 'Taklif' with 'Mashq' or 'Kar-e khaneh'. While they are related, their usage differs. 'Kar-e khaneh' literally means 'housework' (cleaning, cooking), not homework. If you tell your teacher you did your 'Kar-e khaneh', they might think you vacuumed your room instead of doing your math problems! 'Mashq' specifically refers to repetitive writing practice (like calligraphy or spelling), whereas 'Taklif' is the broader term for any assignment.

Taklif vs. Vazifeh: 'Vazifeh' is 'duty' in a general sense (like a soldier's duty), while 'Taklif' often implies a duty that has been specifically assigned or imposed by an authority. They are synonyms, but 'Taklif' is more common in educational and religious contexts.

اشتباه: من کارِ خانه ریاضی را نوشتم. (Wrong: I wrote my math housework.)

Pluralization: Learners often forget that 'Taklif' has a broken plural: 'Takalif'. While 'Taklif-ha' is sometimes used colloquially, 'Takalif' is the more standard and sophisticated way to refer to multiple duties or assignments.

صحیح: من تکالیف خود را انجام دادم. (Correct: I performed my duties/assignments.)

اشتباه: تکلیف من مهندسی است. (Wrong: My 'duty' is engineering - use 'Shoghl' instead.)

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, several other Persian words might be more appropriate than 'Taklif'. Understanding these differences will make your Persian sound much more natural and precise. 'Mashq' is for writing, 'Vazifeh' is for general duty, and 'Mas'uliyat' is for broader responsibility. Let's look at how they compare.

Mashq (مشق): Specifically refers to writing practice. In elementary school, children have 'Mashq-e shab'. It is more about the act of writing than the abstract concept of an assignment.

او در حال نوشتن مشق است. (He is writing his writing practice/homework.)

Vazifeh (وظیفه): General duty or obligation. 'Sarbazi' (military service) is often called 'Vazifeh'. It has a more solemn, civic, or moral tone than 'Taklif'.

انجام این کار وظیفه هر شهروندی است. (Doing this is the duty of every citizen.)

مدیر مسئولیت پروژه را به من داد. (The manager gave me the responsibility for the project.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Takallof' (formality) comes from the same root. When Persians are very formal with guests, they are literally 'burdening' themselves to show respect!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tækˈliːf/

US /tækˈlif/

On the second syllable: tak-LIF.

Rhymes With

Tashrif (تریف) Sharif (شریف) Latif (لطیف) Kasif (کثیف) Radif (ردیف) Zarif (ظریف) Harif (حریف) Nasif (نصیف)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first vowel as 'o' (Toklif) - it should be 'a' like in 'apple'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'f' sound too soft like a 'v'.
Shortening the long 'i' sound in the second syllable.
Confusing the 'k' sound with a 'gh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in school texts, but identifying abstract meanings requires context.

Writing 3/5

The spelling is straightforward, but using the broken plural 'Takalif' correctly is more advanced.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation is simple for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very frequent in classrooms and family settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

مدرسه کتاب نوشتن داشتن باید

Learn Next

وظیفه مسئولیت اجازه حق تصمیم

Advanced

فلسفه اخلاق حقوق مدنی فقه الزام تعهدات

Grammar to Know

Broken Plurals

The plural of 'Taklif' is 'Takalif' (Arabic style).

Compound Verbs

Taklif + anjam dadan (to do homework).

Possessive Suffixes

Taklif-am (my homework), Taklif-at (your homework).

Subjunctive with 'Bayad'

Bayad taklifam ra benevisam (I must write my homework).

Ezāfe Construction

Taklif-e shab (Nightly homework).

Examples by Level

من تکلیف دارم.

I have homework.

Simple present with 'dashtan'.

تکلیف تو کجاست؟

Where is your homework?

Possessive suffix '-at' on 'taklif'.

او تکلیف ریاضی را نوشت.

He wrote the math homework.

Simple past with 'neveshtan'.

ما تکلیف نداریم.

We don't have homework.

Negative form of 'dashtan'.

آیا تکلیف را انجام دادی؟

Did you do the homework?

Question form using simple past.

تکلیف من زیاد است.

My homework is a lot.

Adjective 'ziad' (much/a lot) modifying 'taklif'.

فردا تکلیف نداریم.

Tomorrow we don't have homework.

Time adverb 'farda' (tomorrow).

این تکلیف آسان است.

This homework is easy.

Adjective 'asan' (easy).

من باید تکالیفم را انجام دهم.

I must do my homework assignments.

Modal 'bayad' (must) with subjunctive.

معلم تکالیف را چک کرد.

The teacher checked the homework.

Compound verb 'check kardan'.

تکالیف مدرسه خسته‌کننده هستند.

School homework is tiring.

Plural 'takalif' with plural verb.

او همیشه تکالیفش را زود تمام می‌کند.

He always finishes his homework early.

Adverb 'hamisheh' (always).

قبل از شام، تکلیفت را بنویس.

Write your homework before dinner.

Imperative mood of 'neveshtan'.

چرا تکالیفت را نیاوردی؟

Why didn't you bring your homework?

Negative past of 'avardan' (to bring).

من تکالیف فارسی را دوست دارم.

I like Persian homework.

Verb 'doost dashtan' (to like).

او برای هر درس تکلیف جداگانه دارد.

He has separate homework for each lesson.

Adjective 'jodaganeh' (separate).

باید تکلیف ما با این پروژه روشن شود.

Our status with this project must be clarified.

Idiomatic use of 'taklif' as status.

او به تکلیف اخلاقی خود عمل کرد.

He acted upon his moral duty.

Adjective 'akhlaqi' (moral).

من نمی‌دانم تکلیفم چیست.

I don't know what my duty is.

Indirect question structure.

او برای تعیین تکلیف به اداره رفت.

He went to the office to clarify his situation.

Gerund 'ta'yin' (determining/clarifying).

این یک تکلیف سنگین بر دوش اوست.

This is a heavy duty on his shoulders.

Metaphorical use of 'sangin' (heavy).

دولت تکلیف دارد که امنیت را فراهم کند.

The government has a duty to provide security.

Noun 'taklif' followed by a 'ke' clause.

آیا تکلیف این زمین مشخص شده است؟

Has the status of this land been specified?

Passive voice 'moshakhas shodeh ast'.

او همیشه از انجام تکالیفش شانه خالی می‌کند.

He always shirks his duties.

Idiom 'shaneh khali kardan' (to shirk).

جشن تکلیف برای کودکان اهمیت زیادی دارد.

The Celebration of Obligation is very important for children.

Cultural term 'Jashn-e Taklif'.

هر انسانی در برابر جامعه تکالیفی دارد.

Every human has duties toward society.

Prepositional phrase 'dar barabar-e' (toward/against).

او به سن تکلیف رسیده است.

He has reached the age of religious obligation.

Phrase 'be sen-e taklif residan'.

قانون تکلیف خریدار و فروشنده را روشن کرده است.

The law has clarified the duty of the buyer and seller.

Compound subjects 'kharidar va foroushandeh'.

او بدون توجه به تکالیفش، شرکت را ترک کرد.

He left the company without regard for his duties.

Preposition 'bedoun-e tavajoh be' (without attention to).

این قرارداد تکالیف سنگینی را بر ما تحمیل می‌کند.

This contract imposes heavy obligations on us.

Verb 'tahmil kardan' (to impose).

باید بین حق و تکلیف تعادل برقرار کرد.

A balance must be established between right and duty.

Philosophical pairing of 'Haqq' and 'Taklif'.

او در انجام تکلیف خود کوتاهی کرد.

He fell short in performing his duty.

Noun 'kootahi' (shortcoming/neglect).

مفهوم تکلیف در فلسفه سیاسی ایران جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

The concept of duty holds a special place in Iranian political philosophy.

Academic register.

او با ایثار، فراتر از تکلیف خود عمل کرد.

With self-sacrifice, he acted beyond his duty.

Adverbial 'faratar az' (beyond).

عدم انجام تکلیف قانونی می‌تواند عواقب جدی داشته باشد.

Failure to perform a legal duty can have serious consequences.

Formal noun 'adam-e anjam' (non-performance).

او درگیر یک پارادوکس بین میل شخصی و تکلیف حرفه‌ای بود.

He was caught in a paradox between personal desire and professional duty.

Complex noun phrase.

تکلیف الهی بر هر مصلحت اندیشی مقدم است.

Divine duty takes precedence over any expediency.

Formal adjective 'moqaddam' (precedent).

نویسنده به تکلیف تاریخی خود در قبال نسل‌های آینده عمل کرد.

The author fulfilled his historical duty toward future generations.

Adjective 'tarikhi' (historical).

این نهاد وظیفه تعیین تکلیف پرونده‌های معوقه را دارد.

This institution has the duty of clarifying the status of overdue cases.

Administrative terminology.

او با شجاعت، تکلیف خود را در برابر ظلم به انجام رساند.

With courage, he fulfilled his duty against oppression.

Prepositional phrase 'dar barabar-e' (against).

دیالکتیک حق و تکلیف، بن‌مایه بسیاری از مباحث حقوقی است.

The dialectic of right and duty is the foundation of many legal discussions.

Highly technical terminology.

او در ساحت اندیشه، تکلیف خود را با مدرنیته روشن کرد.

In the realm of thought, he clarified his position regarding modernity.

Metaphorical use of 'sahat' (realm).

تکلیف مالایطاق در نظام‌های حقوقی مردود شناخته می‌شود.

Imposing an impossible duty is rejected in legal systems.

Arabic-derived legal term 'Taklif-e Ma-la-yotaq'.

او با نگاهی هستی‌شناسانه به مفهوم تکلیف می‌نگرد.

He looks at the concept of duty with an ontological perspective.

Adverb 'hasti-shenasaneh' (ontologically).

تجلی تکلیف در آثار عطار، رنگ و بویی عرفانی دارد.

The manifestation of duty in Attar's works has a mystical flavor.

Literary analysis.

او در کشاکش بین عقل و تکلیف، راه سوم را برگزید.

In the struggle between reason and duty, he chose the third way.

Literary noun 'keshakesh' (struggle/tension).

این رویکرد، تکلیف انسان را در عصر تکنولوژی بازتعریف می‌کند.

This approach redefines human duty in the age of technology.

Prefix 'baz-' for re- (redefine).

او به مثابه یک مصلح اجتماعی، تکلیف خود را به نیکی شناخت.

As a social reformer, he recognized his duty well.

Formal phrase 'be masabeh-ye' (as/in the capacity of).

Common Collocations

انجام تکلیف

تعیین تکلیف

سن تکلیف

جشن تکلیف

تکلیف شب

تکلیف قانونی

تکلیف شرعی

روشن کردن تکلیف

تکلیف سنگین

بدون تکلیف

Common Phrases

تکلیف مالایطاق

— An impossible duty or a burden beyond one's capacity.

این دستور تکلیف مالایطاق است.

بلاتکلیف

— To be in limbo, undecided, or without a clear direction.

من هنوز بلاتکلیف هستم.

تکلیف خود را دانستن

— To know where one stands or what one must do.

حالا دیگر تکلیف خود را می‌دانم.

انجام وظیفه و تکلیف

— Performing one's duty and obligation.

او فقط به تکلیفش عمل کرد.

تکلیف الهی

— A divine command or religious duty.

این یک تکلیف الهی است.

تکلیف دشوار

— A difficult assignment or duty.

او تکلیف دشواری داشت.

بر حسب تکلیف

— Out of a sense of duty.

او بر حسب تکلیف این کار را کرد.

تکلیف اضافی

— Extra homework or additional duty.

معلم تکلیف اضافی داد.

تکلیف روزانه

— Daily assignment.

تکلیف روزانه را انجام بده.

تکلیف نهایی

— Final assignment or final decision.

تکلیف نهایی پروژه مشخص شد.

Often Confused With

تکلیف vs کارِ خانه (Kar-e khaneh)

Means housework (cleaning), not school homework.

تکلیف vs مشق (Mashq)

Specifically refers to writing or calligraphy practice.

تکلیف vs وظیفه (Vazifeh)

General duty; 'Taklif' is more often an assigned task.

Idioms & Expressions

"تکلیف کسی را روشن کردن"

— To clarify someone's situation, often by making a final decision for them.

بالاخره تکلیف او را روشن کردند.

Neutral/Informal

"بلاتکلیف ماندن"

— To be left hanging or in a state of uncertainty.

پروژه بلاتکلیف مانده است.

Neutral

"از زیر تکلیف شانه خالی کردن"

— To shirk one's responsibilities or avoid doing what is required.

او همیشه از زیر تکلیف شانه خالی می‌کند.

Informal

"تعیین تکلیف کردن"

— To decide the fate or next steps for a person or project.

او برای همه تعیین تکلیف می‌کند.

Neutral/Slightly Negative

"تکلیف خود را با خود روشن کردن"

— To make up one's mind or resolve an internal conflict.

باید تکلیف خودت را با خودت روشن کنی.

Informal

"به تکلیف عمل کردن"

— To do what is required by duty, regardless of personal desire.

من فقط به تکلیفم عمل کردم.

Formal/Religious

"تکلیف داشتن"

— To be obligated to do something.

من تکلیف دارم که حقیقت را بگویم.

Neutral

"تکلیف بریدن"

— To assign a specific duty or punishment (archaic/informal).

برای او تکلیف بریدند.

Informal

"در مقام تکلیف"

— In the position of having a duty.

او در مقام تکلیف سخن می‌گفت.

Formal

"تکلیفِ روشن"

— A clear duty or a decided situation.

ما اکنون تکلیفِ روشنی داریم.

Neutral

Easily Confused

تکلیف vs تکلف (Takallof)

Same root (K-L-F).

Takallof means formality or putting on airs, while Taklif is a duty or assignment.

بدون تکلف صحبت کنید. (Speak without formality.)

تکلیف vs مکلف (Mokallaf)

Related form.

Mokallaf is the person who has the duty, Taklif is the duty itself.

او مکلف به پرداخت است. (He is obligated to pay.)

تکلیف vs تکفل (Takaffol)

Similar sound.

Takaffol means guardianship or taking responsibility for someone's needs.

او تکفل یتیم را بر عهده گرفت.

تکلیف vs تألیف (Ta'lif)

Similar sound.

Ta'lif means to author or compile a book.

این کتاب تألیف اوست.

تکلیف vs تخفیف (Takhfif)

Similar sound.

Takhfif means a discount or reduction.

تخفیف ویژه.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Noun] daram.

Man taklif daram.

[Subject] [Noun] [Verb].

Ali taklif nevesht.

Bayad [Noun] ra anjam daham.

Bayad taklifam ra anjam daham.

Taklif-e [Person/Thing] moshakhas nist.

Taklif-e in porozheh moshakhas nist.

[Noun] bar ohdeh-ye [Person] ast.

Taklif bar ohdeh-ye mast.

Faratar az [Noun] amal kardan.

Ou faratar az taklifash amal kard.

Dialektik-e [Noun] va [Noun].

Dialektik-e haqq va taklif.

Ta'yin-e taklif kardan.

Ou baraye ma ta'yin-e taklif kard.

Word Family

Nouns

تکلیف (Assignment)

تکلف (Affectation/Formality)

مکلف (Obligated person)

تکالیف (Assignments - plural)

Verbs

تکلیف کردن (To assign/impose)

متکلف شدن (To become constrained/formal)

Adjectives

بلاتکلیف (Undecided)

مکلف (Obligated)

متکلف (Formal/Artificial)

وظیفه

مسئولیت

مشق

اجبار

تعهد

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily life, education, and legal discourse.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Kar-e khaneh' for homework. → تکلیف (Taklif)
Kar-e khaneh is housework like cleaning; Taklif is school assignments.
Using 'kardan' instead of 'anjam dadan'. → تکلیف انجام دادن
While 'taklif kardan' exists, it means 'to assign', not 'to do'.
Misplacing the stress. → tak-LIF
The stress should be on the second syllable, not the first.
Confusing 'Taklif' with 'Takhfif'. → تکلیف
Takhfif means a discount; Taklif means a duty/homework.
Using 'Taklif' for a profession. → شغل (Shoghl)
Taklif is a specific task or duty, not a career path.

Tips

The Task-Leaf Method

Associate 'Taklif' with a 'Task' written on a 'Leaf' of paper. This links the sound and the meaning of school assignments.

Verb Pairing

Always pair 'Taklif' with 'anjam dadan' for 'doing' homework. Avoid using 'kardan' alone in formal writing.

Clarifying Status

If you are waiting for an answer from a Persian friend, say 'Taklif-e man ro rowshan kon' to ask for a clear yes or no.

Plural Mastery

Use 'Takalif' when talking about various subjects' homework to sound like a more advanced speaker.

Don't confuse with housework

Remember: 'Taklif' is for the brain/duty, 'Kar-e khaneh' is for the mop and broom.

Age of Taklif

Knowing about 'Sen-e Taklif' helps you understand Iranian social milestones for teenagers.

Contractual Duty

In contracts, 'Taklif' refers to what you MUST do, while 'Haqq' refers to what you CAN do.

Soft 'T'

Keep the 'T' at the start soft and dental, not aspirated like the English 'T' in 'Table'.

Asking for work

Teachers ask: 'Takalifetoon ro anjam dadid?' (Did you do your assignments?).

Compound Words

Learn 'Belataklif' (undecided) as it is a very common adjective in daily Persian.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tak-Lif'. You 'Take' a 'Leaf' out of your notebook to do your 'Taklif' (homework).

Visual Association

Imagine a student carrying a heavy backpack. The backpack represents the 'Taklif' (burden/homework) they must carry home.

Word Web

School Teacher Duty Obligation Student Homework Law Decision

Challenge

Write three things that are your 'Taklif' today—one for school/work, one for home, and one for yourself.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root 'K-L-F' (كلف), which means to be fond of, to cost, or to burden.

Original meaning: The original Arabic sense implies a burden or a task that requires effort and 'costs' the performer something in terms of energy or resources.

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

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'Taklif' in a religious context is a serious topic for many families.

While 'homework' is just a school term in English, 'Taklif' carries a weight similar to 'moral duty' in specific contexts.

The movie 'Homework' (Mashq-e Shab) by Abbas Kiarostami explores these themes. Classical poems often discuss the 'Taklif' of the lover toward the beloved. Religious texts define the 'Taklif' of the believer.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At School

تکلیف فردا چیست؟
تکلیف را تحویل دادم.
تکلیف زیادی داریم.
معلم تکلیف را چک کرد.

At Home

برو تکلیفت را بنویس.
تکلیفت تمام شد؟
کمک می‌خواهی برای تکلیفت؟
تکالیفت را جمع کن.

Religious Settings

او به سن تکلیف رسیده.
جشن تکلیف مبارک.
تکلیف شرعی ماست.
رساله توضیح‌المسائل (Manual of Duties).

Business/Legal

تعیین تکلیف پروژه.
تکالیف قراردادی.
بلاتکلیفی کارکنان.
روشن شدن تکلیف معامله.

Personal Relationships

تکلیف من را روشن کن.
نمی‌دانم با او چه تکلیفی دارم.
بلاتکلیف مانده‌ام.
تکلیف ما مشخص نیست.

Conversation Starters

"امروز در مدرسه چه تکلیفی داشتی؟ (What homework did you have at school today?)"

"به نظر تو تکلیف بچه‌ها در خانه چیست؟ (What do you think children's duties are at home?)"

"آیا تا به حال در زندگی بلاتکلیف مانده‌ای؟ (Have you ever been left undecided/in limbo in life?)"

"جشن تکلیف در خانواده شما چگونه برگزار می‌شود؟ (How is the Celebration of Obligation held in your family?)"

"چگونه تکالیف زیاد را مدیریت می‌کنی؟ (How do you manage a lot of assignments?)"

Journal Prompts

در مورد سخت‌ترین تکلیفی که تا به حال در مدرسه داشته‌ای بنویس. (Write about the hardest assignment you've ever had in school.)

آیا فکر می‌کنی تکلیف شب برای دانش‌آموزان لازم است؟ چرا؟ (Do you think nightly homework is necessary for students? Why?)

یک موقعیت را توصیف کن که در آن تکلیف تو روشن نبود. (Describe a situation where your status/duty was not clear.)

تفاوت بین 'حق' و 'تکلیف' از نظر تو چیست؟ (What is the difference between 'right' and 'duty' in your opinion?)

در مورد وظایف و تکالیف خود در قبال خانواده‌ات بنویس. (Write about your duties and obligations toward your family.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it is the most common meaning for beginners, it also means duty, obligation, and clarifying a situation.

The formal broken plural is 'Takalif', but 'Taklif-ha' is used informally.

You say 'Man taklif-e ziad daram' or 'Takalif-am ziad ast'.

Nearly. 'Mashq' is specifically writing practice, while 'Taklif' is any school assignment.

It means to decide a final course of action or to clarify an uncertain situation.

It is neutral. It's used by children and in high-level legal documents.

Yes, but 'Vazayef' (plural of Vazifeh) or 'Mas'uliyat' is more common in a professional job description.

A religious ceremony for children reaching the age of accountability.

Yes, it comes from the Arabic root K-L-F, meaning burden or cost.

You can say: 'In taklif-e ma ast' (This is our duty).