When you want to say that you lean on something, you use the verb تکیه دادن (takiye dādan). This verb is made of two parts: تکیه (takiye) which means 'a lean' or 'a support', and دادن (dādan) which means 'to give'. So, literally, it means 'to give a lean' or 'to give support'.
You can use تکیه دادن when you lean against a wall, a chair, or even another person. It implies getting support from that object or person. For example, if you are tired and lean against a wall, you would use this verb.
تکیه دادن in 30 Seconds
- B1 verb
- leaning for support
- common daily use
§ Understanding 'تکیه دادن' in Context
When you're learning Persian, it's not enough to just know what a word means. You need to know when and where people actually use it. The verb 'تکیه دادن' (takye dādan) is a great example of a practical verb that comes up in many everyday situations. It means 'to lean against something for support'. Let's look at how you'll encounter this word in real-world settings, from your workplace to school, and even in the news.
§ At Work
In a work environment, 'تکیه دادن' can describe a few different scenarios. It might be someone leaning on a desk, a wall, or even a piece of equipment. Pay attention to the prepositions used with it, as they're key to understanding the full meaning.
- DEFINITION
- To lean against something for support.
مدیر به دیوار تکیه داده بود و صحبت میکرد.
(The manager was leaning against the wall and talking.)
لطفاً به میز من تکیه ندهید.
(Please don't lean on my desk.)
§ At School or University
In academic settings, you might hear or use 'تکیه دادن' when describing students or teachers. It's often used informally to describe a posture.
دانشآموز به صندلی تکیه داده بود و کتاب میخواند.
(The student was leaning back in the chair and reading a book.)
معلم به تخته سیاه تکیه داد تا به سوالات پاسخ دهد.
(The teacher leaned against the blackboard to answer the questions.)
§ In the News and Formal Contexts
While 'تکیه دادن' is often used for physical leaning, it can sometimes be used metaphorically in more formal language, like in the news, to mean 'relying on' or 'depending on'. This is less common but good to be aware of.
این شرکت به حمایت دولت تکیه کرده است.
(This company has relied on government support.)
§ Everyday Conversations
Outside of specific settings, you'll hear 'تکیه دادن' in casual conversations all the time. It's a very common verb for describing a simple action.
- Can you lean this picture against the wall for a moment? (میشه این عکس رو یه لحظه به دیوار تکیه بدی؟)
- Don't lean on the freshly painted fence. (به نرده تازه رنگ شده تکیه نده.)
- He leaned his bicycle against the tree. (او دوچرخه اش را به درخت تکیه داد.)
By understanding these practical examples, you'll be much better equipped to use 'تکیه دادن' correctly and naturally in your own Persian conversations. Remember to practice using it with different objects and in various situations to solidify your understanding.
§ Don't Confuse with 'تکیه کردن' (Rely On)
Many learners, especially at the B1 level, confuse 'تکیه دادن' (to lean against) with 'تکیه کردن' (to rely on). While they look similar, their meanings are quite different. 'تکیه دادن' implies physical support, whereas 'تکیه کردن' implies dependence or trust, often in an abstract sense. You wouldn't use 'تکیه دادن' to say you rely on someone for help.
§ Incorrect Prepositions
Another common mistake is using the wrong prepositions with 'تکیه دادن'. The most common and correct prepositions are 'به' (be) or 'بر' (bar). Using other prepositions like 'در' (dar) or 'روی' (rooy) can sound unnatural or even change the meaning. Always try to pair 'تکیه دادن' with 'به' or 'بر' when talking about leaning against something.
- Wrong
- او به دیوار تکیه داد. (He leaned on the wall.) - This is actually correct. Let's fix the example to something truly wrong.
Apologies, the previous 'wrong' example was actually correct. Let me rephrase. While 'به' is very common, sometimes learners incorrectly use 'در' or 'روی' when 'به' or 'بر' are more appropriate for physical leaning. For instance, using 'در' (in) would be incorrect in this context.
- Wrong
- او در دیوار تکیه داد. (He leaned in the wall.)
او به دیوار تکیه داد.
- Correct
- He leaned against the wall.
§ Not Using a Direct Object
'تکیه دادن' usually requires a direct object, the thing you are leaning against. Beginners sometimes forget to include this or imply it, which can make sentences unclear. Always specify what you are leaning on.
من به میز تکیه دادم.
- Hint
- I leaned against the table.
§ Overusing 'تکیه دادن'
While 'تکیه دادن' is a useful verb, sometimes learners overuse it when other verbs might be more natural or precise. For example, if someone is simply resting their back against something without necessarily needing support, you might use a different phrasing. Think about the nuance of 'leaning for support' versus just 'resting against'.
او پشتش را به صندلی چسباند.
- Hint
- He pressed his back against the chair. (More about resting than needing support)
§ Incorrect Tense or Conjugation
As with any verb, using the correct tense and conjugating 'تکیه دادن' accurately is crucial. 'تکیه دادن' is a compound verb, and 'دادن' (to give) is the part that gets conjugated. Make sure you are familiar with conjugating 'دادن' in various tenses to use 'تکیه دادن' correctly.
Present Simple: من تکیه میدهم (man tekiye midaham - I lean)
Past Simple: او تکیه داد (oo tekiye daad - He/She leaned)
Present Perfect: آنها تکیه دادهاند (aanhaa tekiye daade'and - They have leaned)
Practicing these conjugations will help you avoid common grammatical errors. Always double-check your verb forms, especially for compound verbs like 'تکیه دادن'.
How Formal Is It?
"پشتیبان به دیوار تکیه نمود. (The support leaned against the wall.)"
"او به درخت تکیه داد و استراحت کرد. (He leaned against the tree and rested.)"
"میشه به شونهات تکیه کنم؟ (Can I lean on your shoulder?)"
"خرسی کوچولو به مامانش لم داد. (Little bear snuggled up to his mom.)"
"به رفیقت پشت بده. (Lean on your friend/support your friend.)"
Difficulty Rating
short and common verb
straightforward spelling
common pronunciation, easy to articulate
frequent in everyday conversation
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
به دیوار تکیه دادم.
I leaned against the wall.
او به درخت تکیه داد.
He leaned against the tree.
روی مبل تکیه بده.
Lean on the sofa.
بچه به مادرش تکیه داد.
The child leaned on his mother.
صندلی به میز تکیه داده است.
The chair is leaning against the table.
چرا به من تکیه نمیدهی؟
Why don't you lean on me?
پیرمرد به عصایش تکیه داد.
The old man leaned on his cane.
کتابها به هم تکیه دادهاند.
The books are leaning against each other.
به دیوار تکیه دادم تا کمی استراحت کنم.
I leaned against the wall to rest a bit.
او به درخت تکیه داده بود و کتاب میخواند.
He was leaning against the tree and reading a book.
لطفاً به نرده تکیه ندهید، ممکن است بشکند.
Please don't lean against the railing, it might break.
صندلیام را به میز تکیه دادم تا نیفتد.
I leaned my chair against the table so it wouldn't fall.
بچهها به هم تکیه داده بودند و خوابشان برده بود.
The children were leaning on each other and had fallen asleep.
میتوانید به من تکیه کنید اگر خسته هستید.
You can lean on me if you are tired.
ماشین به دیوار تکیه داشت.
The car was leaning against the wall.
پدر بزرگم همیشه به عصایش تکیه میداد.
My grandfather always leaned on his cane.
او به دیوار تکیه داده بود و به نقطهای خیره شده بود.
He was leaning against the wall, staring at a spot.
لطفاً به نردهها تکیه ندهید؛ ممکن است بشکنند.
Please don't lean on the railings; they might break.
بعد از یک روز طولانی، دلم میخواست به پشتی صندلی تکیه بدهم و استراحت کنم.
After a long day, I wanted to lean back on the chair and rest.
او سرش را به شانه من تکیه داد و شروع به گریه کرد.
She leaned her head on my shoulder and started to cry.
مردم خسته به ستونها تکیه داده بودند و منتظر اتوبوس بودند.
Tired people were leaning against the pillars, waiting for the bus.
برای اینکه تعادلت را حفظ کنی، بهتر است کمی به جلو تکیه دهی.
To maintain your balance, it's better to lean forward a bit.
او به در تکیه داده بود و به نظر میرسید در حال فکر کردن است.
He was leaning against the door and seemed to be thinking.
پدربزرگ همیشه دوست داشت به عصایش تکیه دهد وقتی راه میرفت.
Grandpa always liked to lean on his cane when he walked.
او به دیوار تکیه داده بود و به افق خیره شده بود، گویی به دنبال پاسخهایی در دوردست میگشت.
He was leaning against the wall, gazing at the horizon, as if searching for answers in the distance.
پس از ساعتها کار، از خستگی به پشتی صندلی تکیه داد و چشمانش را بست تا لحظهای آرامش یابد.
After hours of work, exhausted, he leaned back against the chair's backrest and closed his eyes for a moment of peace.
کودک از ترس به دامن مادرش تکیه داده بود و با چشمانی گریان به غریبه نگاه میکرد.
The child, out of fear, leaned against his mother's lap and looked at the stranger with tearful eyes.
برای تماشای بهتر مسابقه، او به نردههای بالکن تکیه داد و با هیجان فریاد میکشید.
To get a better view of the match, he leaned against the balcony railings and shouted with excitement.
در یک شب سرد زمستانی، مسافری خسته به درختی کهنسال تکیه داده بود و به خواب رفته بود.
On a cold winter night, a tired traveler leaned against an ancient tree and had fallen asleep.
دیوارهای این ساختمان قدیمی به یکدیگر تکیه دادهاند و هر لحظه بیم فروریختن آنها میرود.
The walls of this old building lean against each other, and there's a constant fear of them collapsing at any moment.
برای مطالعه راحتتر، او به بالشی نرم تکیه داد و کتابش را باز کرد.
To study more comfortably, she leaned against a soft pillow and opened her book.
کشاورز پس از روزی پرکار، به بیلش تکیه داده بود و به مزارع سرسبز خود نگاه میکرد.
After a hard day's work, the farmer leaned against his shovel and looked at his green fields.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
من به دیوار تکیه دادم تا کمی استراحت کنم.
I leaned against the wall to rest a bit.
او به پشتی صندلی تکیه داد و چشمانش را بست.
He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes.
لطفاً به نرده تکیه ندهید، ممکن است بشکند.
Please do not lean against the railing; it might break.
پیرمرد برای راه رفتن به عصایش تکیه می داد.
The old man leaned on his cane to walk.
او از خستگی به در تکیه داد.
He leaned against the door from exhaustion.
می توانی به من تکیه کنی.
You can lean on me.
بعد از پیاده روی طولانی، به درخت تکیه دادم.
After a long walk, I leaned against a tree.
بچه به مادرش تکیه داده بود و خوابش برده بود.
The child was leaning on his mother and had fallen asleep.
او با دقت به میز تکیه داد.
He carefully leaned on the table.
همیشه می توانی به دوستانت تکیه کنی.
You can always lean on your friends.
Often Confused With
This is a direct translation but focus on the 'for support' aspect in Persian. You wouldn't use 'تکیه دادن' if you're just casually resting against something without needing its support.
Similar to 'leaning against', but 'resting on' can be broader. 'تکیه دادن' specifically implies using something as a prop for your body weight.
While 'to depend on' can have a similar idea of support, 'تکیه دادن' is purely physical. For 'to depend on' in a non-physical sense (e.g., depending on someone's help), you would use 'متکی بودن به' or 'وابسته بودن به'.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"به دیوار تکیه دادن"
To lean against the wall (literally and figuratively, e.g., relying on someone weak)
او به دیوار تکیه داده بود و فکر میکرد. (He was leaning against the wall and thinking.)
neutral"به چیزی تکیه کردن"
To rely on something, to count on something
ما باید به تواناییهای خودمان تکیه کنیم. (We should rely on our own abilities.)
neutral"به کسی تکیه کردن"
To rely on someone, to depend on someone
او همیشه به خانوادهاش تکیه میکند. (She always relies on her family.)
neutral"پشت به دیوار تکیه دادن"
To lean back against a wall (often indicating a relaxed posture)
او پشت به دیوار تکیه داد و نفسی تازه کرد. (He leaned back against the wall and took a fresh breath.)
neutral"به پشتی تکیه دادن"
To lean against a backrest (like a chair or sofa)
لطفاً به پشتی صندلی تکیه دهید. (Please lean back against the backrest of the chair.)
neutral"تکیه بر باد کردن"
To rely on something unreliable/unstable, to build on sand (literally, 'to lean on the wind')
آنها به وعدههای دروغین تکیه بر باد کردند. (They relied on false promises, leaning on the wind.)
informal"تکیه گاه بودن"
To be a support, to be a pillar for someone
او همیشه تکیه گاه من بوده است. (He has always been my support.)
neutral"سر به شانه کسی تکیه دادن"
To lean one's head on someone's shoulder (often for comfort or intimacy)
او سرش را به شانه مادرش تکیه داد. (She leaned her head on her mother's shoulder.)
neutral"تکیه بر عصا"
To lean on a cane (literally, often for the elderly or injured)
پیرمرد با تکیه بر عصا راه میرفت. (The old man walked leaning on a cane.)
neutral"بدون تکیه گاه"
Without support, unassisted
او بدون تکیه گاه ایستاد. (He stood without support.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both 'تکیه دادن' and 'لم دادن' involve leaning, but 'لم دادن' specifically implies leaning back in a relaxed or casual manner, often into a chair or sofa, whereas 'تکیه دادن' is more general and can be for support against any object.
'تکیه دادن' is to lean for support, while 'لم دادن' is to recline comfortably.
او روی مبل لم داده بود و تلویزیون تماشا میکرد. (He was reclining on the sofa and watching TV.)
Both involve a change in body posture. However, 'خم شدن' means to bend over or stoop, usually forward or downward, and does not necessarily involve leaning against something for support, unlike 'تکیه دادن'.
'تکیه دادن' is to lean against something, while 'خم شدن' is to bend or stoop.
او برای برداشتن خودکار از روی زمین خم شد. (He bent down to pick up the pen from the floor.)
The English definition of 'تکیه دادن' includes 'for support', which might lead learners to connect it with 'پشتیبانی کردن' (to support/back up). However, 'تکیه دادن' is a physical action of leaning, while 'پشتیبانی کردن' is about providing abstract or concrete help, not a physical lean.
'تکیه دادن' is a physical act of leaning, 'پشتیبانی کردن' is to provide aid or support (often abstract).
من همیشه از تصمیمات تو پشتیبانی میکنم. (I always support your decisions.)
The idea of 'leaning on someone' in English can mean trusting them. This can be confusing. In Persian, 'تکیه دادن' is purely physical. 'اعتماد کردن' is about trust.
'تکیه دادن' is physical leaning, 'اعتماد کردن' is to trust.
من به تو اعتماد کامل دارم. (I have complete trust in you.)
One might lean against something to take shelter or refuge. While 'پناه گرفتن' implies seeking refuge or shelter, it's a broader concept than the simple physical act of leaning against something for support ('تکیه دادن').
'تکیه دادن' is to lean for support, 'پناه گرفتن' is to take refuge or shelter.
آنها از باران زیر درخت پناه گرفتند. (They took shelter from the rain under the tree.)
Sentence Patterns
فاعل + به + اسم/ضمیر + تکیه دادن
من به دیوار تکیه دادم. (Man be divār tekye dādam.) - I leaned against the wall.
فاعل + به + اسم/ضمیر + (برای استراحت) + تکیه دادن
او به درخت برای استراحت تکیه داد. (U be derakht barāye esterāhat tekye dād.) - He leaned against the tree to rest.
فاعل + روی + اسم/ضمیر + تکیه دادن
من روی شانه او تکیه دادم. (Man ruy-e shāne-ye u tekye dādam.) - I leaned on his shoulder.
فاعل + به + اسم/ضمیر (غیرعاقل) + تکیه دادن
ماشین به دیوار تکیه داده بود. (Māshin be divār tekye dāde bud.) - The car was leaning against the wall.
فاعل + به + اسم/ضمیر (عاقل) + تکیه دادن (مجازی)
ما باید به یکدیگر تکیه دهیم. (Mā bāyad be yekdigar tekye dahim.) - We should lean on each other (support each other).
فاعل + به + اسم/ضمیر (مجازی) + برای + دلیل + تکیه دادن
او به تجربه خود برای تصمیمگیری تکیه کرد. (U be tajrobe-ye khod barāye tasmim-giri tekye kard.) - He relied on his experience for decision-making.
فاعل + به + اسم/ضمیر (معنوی) + تکیه دادن
آنها به خدا تکیه کردند. (Ānhā be Khodā tekye kardand.) - They relied on God.
فاعل + به + اسم/ضمیر + بدون + مکمل + تکیه دادن
صندلی به دیوار تکیه داشت. (Sandali be divār tekye dāsht.) - The chair was leaning against the wall.
Test Yourself 30 questions
من به دیوار ___ . (Man be divar ___.)
'تکیه دادم' means 'I leaned'. The sentence means 'I leaned against the wall.'
او به درخت ___ است. (U be derakht ___ ast.)
'تکیه داده' means 'he/she has leaned'. The sentence means 'He/she has leaned against the tree.'
لطفا به من ___ نکن. (Lotfan be man ___ nakon.)
'تکیه نکن' means 'don't lean'. The sentence means 'Please don't lean on me.'
آنها به صندلی ___ بودند. (Anha be sandali ___ budand.)
'تکیه داده بودند' means 'they were leaning'. The sentence means 'They were leaning on the chair.'
بچه به مادرش ___ . (Bache be madarash ___.)
'تکیه داد' means 'leaned'. The sentence means 'The child leaned on his/her mother.'
میتوانم به تو ___ بدهم؟ (Mitavanam be to ___ bedaham?)
'تکیه بدهم' means 'to give lean' or 'to lean'. The sentence means 'Can I lean on you?'
I leaned against the wall.
He has leaned against the tree.
We lean on the chair.
Read this aloud:
من به دیوار تکیه میدهم.
Focus: تکیه میدهم (takye midaham)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
او به درخت تکیه داد.
Focus: تکیه داد (takye daad)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
آنها به میز تکیه میدهند.
Focus: تکیه میدهند (takye midahand)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Which of these objects can you "تکیه دادن" (lean against)?
You lean against solid objects like a wall for support.
If you are tired, you might want to "تکیه دادن" (lean against) a...
A tree provides physical support to lean against when tired.
Which sentence correctly uses "تکیه دادن" (to lean against)?
You lean against a physical object like a chair.
You can "تکیه دادن" (lean against) a fluffy cloud.
Clouds are not solid and cannot be leaned against for support.
If you are standing, you can "تکیه دادن" (lean against) a table to rest.
A table is a solid object that can provide support to lean against.
The phrase "تکیه دادن" (to lean against) is always used with something intangible.
This verb is used for leaning against physical objects for support.
He was leaning against the wall.
Please lean on the chair.
Why don't you lean on me?
Read this aloud:
به درخت تکیه دادهام.
Focus: تکیه دادهام
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
آیا میتوانی به دیوار تکیه بدهی؟
Focus: تکیه بدهی
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
او دوست داشت به من تکیه بدهد.
Focus: تکیه بدهد
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Someone is asking you not to lean on the wall.
A person was leaning on a tree while reading a book.
You are being offered a way to be more comfortable by leaning on a chair.
Read this aloud:
او به دیوار تکیه داد.
Focus: تکیه داد (takye daad)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
چرا به من تکیه نمیدهی؟
Focus: تکیه نمیدهی (takye nemi-dahi)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
به صندلی تکیه بده.
Focus: تکیه بده (takye bede)
You said:
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/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
تکیه دادن means to lean against something for support, like a wall or a chair.
- B1 verb
- leaning for support
- common daily use
Example
او خسته بود و به دیوار تکیه داد.
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تهوع
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مالیدن
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