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Vocabulary
تمام_کردن

A1 verb 10 min read

تمام_کردن

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تمام_کردن in 30 Seconds

Explanation تمام_کردن in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners use 'tamām kardan' to describe simple, everyday actions that have a clear beginning and end. This is primarily focused on physical consumption and basic daily routines. For example, an A1 student should be able to say they finished their food, finished their homework, or finished a short book. The focus here is on the simple past tense ('tamām kardam') and the simple present ('tamām mikonam'). Learners at this stage are just beginning to understand the concept of compound verbs, so 'tamām kardan' serves as a perfect introductory example. It helps them grasp how a noun or adjective combines with a verb to create a new meaning. They also learn the essential distinction between 'kardan' (I do it) and 'shodan' (it happens), though they might still make mistakes. Vocabulary at this level revolves around the home, school, and immediate needs. The goal is to be able to report that a task is no longer ongoing. Simple questions like 'Did you finish?' (Tamām kardi?) are vital for basic communication and interaction with teachers or family members. The A1 learner uses this word as a tool for basic survival and functional language, ensuring they can communicate the status of their immediate responsibilities.

At the A2 level, the use of 'tamām kardan' expands to include more varied social and work-related contexts. A2 learners can use the verb to describe finishing a work shift, a movie, or a conversation. They begin to use it in the negative form ('tamām nakardam' - I didn't finish) and start to explore the imperative mood to give simple instructions to others, like 'Please finish your work.' At this stage, learners are expected to use the direct object marker 'rā' more consistently, showing a maturing grasp of Persian syntax. They also begin to recognize the verb in different media, such as simple news clips or children's stories. The A2 level also introduces the idea of finishing something 'on time' (be moghe tamām kardan), adding a layer of temporal adverbials to the verb. Learners start to distinguish between 'finishing' a task and 'stopping' an action, though they might still rely heavily on 'tamām kardan' for both. They are also introduced to the present perfect form ('tamām karde-am' - I have finished), which is crucial for answering questions about recent actions. This level is about building confidence in using the verb across a broader range of daily activities and starting to internalize the rhythmic patterns of the compound verb's conjugation.

Intermediate B1 learners use 'tamām kardan' with greater grammatical complexity and in more abstract scenarios. At this level, students are expected to use the verb within complex sentence structures, such as 'I want to finish this before I go' (mikhāham ghabl az raftan in rā tamām konam). They begin to use the subjunctive mood correctly after modal verbs. B1 learners also start to encounter and use the verb in professional settings, such as completing a project or a report. They are introduced to the concept of 'running out of' resources, and they must master the distinction between 'tamām kardan' (active) and 'tamām shodan' (passive/intransitive) in these contexts. For instance, they can explain that they 'finished' the money (spent it all) versus the money 'finished' (ran out). This level also involves learning common collocations, such as 'tamām kardan-e dore-ye dāneshgāh' (finishing university). B1 students are expected to handle more nuanced conversations about their life goals and past achievements, where 'tamām kardan' plays a central role in describing milestones. They also begin to notice the verb in Persian literature and more complex media, recognizing its use in metaphors about the 'end' of seasons or historical periods.

At the B2 level, learners achieve a high degree of fluency with 'tamām kardan' and begin to substitute it with more formal synonyms like 'takmil kardan' or 'be pāyān rasāndan' when appropriate. They understand the stylistic differences between these choices. B2 students can use 'tamām kardan' in hypothetical situations using the conditional and past perfect tenses (e.g., 'If I had finished it, I would have told you'). They are also familiar with the idiomatic uses of the verb, such as 'tamām kardan' meaning to finalize a deal or even its use as a euphemism for death in specific literary or formal contexts. At this stage, the learner can follow fast-paced conversations where the verb might be contracted or spoken in a heavy dialect. They can use the verb to describe complex processes, such as finishing a legal procedure or a scientific experiment. The B2 learner is also sensitive to the 'tone' of the verb, knowing that 'tamām-esh kon!' can sound quite harsh and should be used with caution. They are able to write essays or reports where 'tamām kardan' is used to structure the narrative, marking the conclusion of different sections or arguments. Their use of the verb is no longer just functional; it is expressive and grammatically precise.

C1 learners possess a near-native command of 'tamām kardan', using it with all its subtle connotations and within highly sophisticated linguistic structures. They can discuss the philosophical implications of 'finishing' or 'ending' in a literary or academic context. At this level, the learner is adept at using the verb in the passive voice, causative constructions, and within intricate relative clauses. They can appreciate the use of 'tamām kardan' in classical and modern Persian poetry, where it might symbolize the end of a life, a love affair, or a journey of the soul. C1 students can effortlessly switch between 'tamām kardan' and its more academic counterparts like 'ekhtetām dādan' (to bring to a formal close) or 'be etmām rasāndan'. They are also experts at using the verb in bureaucratic and legal Persian, where 'finishing' a case involves specific procedural nuances. Their listening skills allow them to catch the verb even when it is buried in complex, multi-clausal sentences or spoken with various regional accents. A C1 learner can also use the verb to critique or analyze the 'ending' of a piece of art or literature, discussing whether the creator 'finished' the work effectively. This level represents a mastery of both the mechanics and the artistry of the verb.

At the C2 level, the learner's use of 'tamām kardan' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They have a complete grasp of the verb's etymological roots and its historical development within the Persian language. C2 learners can use the verb in the most formal diplomatic settings, in high-level academic writing, and in creative literature. They are fully conversant with all idiomatic and slang uses of the verb, including those that might be specific to certain subcultures or professional guilds. They can play with the verb for rhetorical effect, using it in puns, wordplay, or to create a specific atmosphere in their writing. At this level, the distinction between 'tamām kardan' and its synonyms is second nature, and the choice is always made based on a deep understanding of register, audience, and intent. The C2 learner can also translate complex English concepts of 'finishing'—which might involve nuances like 'wrapping up,' 'polishing off,' or 'concluding'—into the most precise Persian equivalents, often using 'tamām kardan' as a base for more complex expressions. They are capable of debating the nuances of the verb in linguistic forums and can use it to express the most delicate shades of meaning in any context, from the mundane to the sublime.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تمام_کردن in 30 Seconds

A vital Persian compound verb meaning 'to finish' or 'to complete' something intentionally.
Formed by 'tamām' (complete) + 'kardan' (to do), used for tasks, meals, and projects.
Always transitive, requiring an actor who performs the finishing, unlike the passive 'tamām shodan'.
Essential for A1-C2 levels, appearing in everything from daily chores to complex legal settlements.

The Persian verb تمام کردن (tamām kardan) is a foundational compound verb that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to "to finish" or "to complete." In the Persian language, compound verbs are formed by combining a non-verbal element—in this case, the adjective tamām meaning "complete" or "whole"—with a light verb, which here is kardan meaning "to do" or "to make." Together, they create the action of bringing something to its conclusion. This verb is ubiquitous in daily life, used from the moment you finish your breakfast in the morning to the moment you finish your work shift at night. It implies an active role by the subject in reaching the end of a task or process. Understanding this verb requires recognizing that it is transitive, meaning it usually takes a direct object—the thing that is being finished.

Daily Tasks: When you finish your homework, a book, or a meal, this is the standard verb. It suggests the natural end of a specific activity.
Professional Projects: In a business context, it refers to completing a project, a report, or a negotiation phase. It carries a sense of accomplishment and finality.
Consumption: While often used for tasks, it can also refer to finishing a physical supply, like a bottle of water or a plate of food, indicating that the quantity has been exhausted by the actor.

"من مشق‌هایم را تمام کردم و حالا می‌توانم بازی کنم."
(I finished my homework and now I can play.)

The versatility of تمام کردن extends into more abstract realms as well. You might finish a conversation, finish a phase of your life, or finish a race. It is important to note that the stress in this compound verb typically falls on the last syllable of the non-verbal part (ta-MĀM) before the light verb is added. In spoken Persian, especially in Tehrani dialect, the 'n' at the end of the infinitive is often dropped, but the full form is essential for writing and formal speech. Furthermore, the verb can be used to describe the act of 'ending' something that was perhaps causing trouble, such as finishing a dispute or a long-standing argument. It provides a sense of closure that is vital for clear communication in Persian-speaking cultures.

او کتاب را در یک روز تمام کرد.

Emotional Closure: It is used when someone decides to end a relationship or a difficult period, signaling a definitive stop to the emotional investment.

باید این بحث را همین‌جا تمام کنیم.

Using تمام کردن correctly involves understanding how Persian compound verbs conjugate. The light verb kardan changes its form based on tense, person, and number, while the word tamām remains static. For example, in the past tense, you use the past stem kard. To say "I finished," you say tamām kardam. In the present tense, you use the present stem kon. To say "I am finishing" or "I finish," you say tamām mikonam. Notice the prefix mi- which indicates continuous or habitual action in the present. This structure is the backbone of Persian verbal logic and applies to thousands of other verbs, making tamām kardan an excellent model for learning the language's grammar patterns.

Past Simple: Used for completed actions. Structure: tamām + kard + [personal ending]. Example: 'u tamām kard' (he/she finished).
Present Continuous/Simple: Used for current or habitual actions. Structure: tamām + mi + kon + [personal ending]. Example: 'mā tamām mikonim' (we are finishing).
Imperative (Commands): Used to tell someone to finish something. Structure: tamām + bokon (often shortened to 'tamām kon'). Example: 'tamām-esh kon!' (finish it!).

"آیا پروژه‌ات را تا فردا تمام می‌کنی؟"
(Will you finish your project by tomorrow?)

When using this verb in more complex sentences, such as with modal verbs like "can" (tavānestan) or "must" (bāyadan), the light verb kardan moves to the subjunctive mood. For instance, "I want to finish" becomes mikhāham tamām bokonam. The flexibility of this verb allows it to fit into various syntactic structures seamlessly. You can also use it in the passive voice, though tamām shodan is much more common for expressing that something "was finished." In formal writing, you might encounter the future tense: tamām khāhad kard (he/she will finish). This variety ensures that regardless of the complexity of your thought, tamām kardan provides the necessary linguistic tools to express the end of an action.

ما باید این کار را قبل از شام تمام کنیم.

Perfect Tenses: To say 'I have finished,' use the past participle: 'tamām karde-am.' This is very common when reporting status updates.

او هنوز غذایش را تمام نکرده است.

In the real world, تمام کردن is heard in a multitude of environments, ranging from the domestic sphere to high-stakes political negotiations. In an Iranian household, you will frequently hear parents asking their children if they have finished their dinner (ghazāt-o tamām kardi?) or their homework. It is a word of accountability. In educational settings, teachers use it to signal the end of an exam or a lesson period. The word carries a certain weight of finality that makes it the go-to choice for marking the boundaries of time and effort. If you are walking through a bazaar in Tehran or Isfahan, you might hear a shopkeeper use a variation of this verb to indicate they have sold out of a particular item, although they are more likely to use the intransitive tamām shode (it is finished/gone).

The Workplace: Commonly used in status meetings. 'Kār-o tamām kardim' (We finished the job) is a phrase of pride and relief among colleagues.
Social Interactions: When someone is talking too much or an argument is going in circles, a friend might say 'tamām-esh kon' (End it / Stop it) to cut the tension.
Media and News: News anchors use it when reporting the conclusion of international summits, sporting events, or legislative sessions.

"فیلم ساعت ده شب تمام می‌شود."
(The movie finishes at 10 PM - Note: here 'tamām shodan' is used for an event ending itself.)

Beyond literal finishing, you will hear this verb in more idiomatic ways. For example, in the context of shopping, if you buy everything a vendor has, you have tamām kardi their stock. In sports, a commentator might shout that a player "finished the job" by scoring a goal. The verb is also central to the concept of 'finalizing' a deal. In legal and bureaucratic settings, completing a form or a process is always described with tamām kardan or its more formal synonym takmil kardan. Whether you are watching a Persian soap opera where a dramatic scene ends with a character saying "It's over!" (tamām-esh kon!) or reading a technical manual, this verb is your constant companion in the Persian-speaking world.

او با یک گل زیبا بازی را تمام کرد.

Academic Life: Students use it to talk about finishing their degrees: 'Dars-am-o tamām kardam' (I finished my studies/schooling).

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when learning تمام کردن (tamām kardan) is confusing it with its passive/intransitive counterpart, تمام شدن (tamām shodan). In English, the word "finish" can be used both ways: "I finished the book" (active) and "The book finished" (intransitive). In Persian, these are strictly separated. If YOU are doing the action, use kardan. If the thing is ending on its own (like a movie or a class), use shodan. Saying kelās tamām kard implies the class itself performed an action to finish something else, which sounds nonsensical to a native speaker. You must say kelās tamām shod (the class ended).

Kardan vs. Shodan: Mistake: 'Ghazā tamām kard' (The food finished - wrong). Correct: 'Ghazā tamām shod' (The food ran out/ended).
Object Marker Omission: Since 'tamām kardan' is transitive, learners often forget the 'rā' marker. 'Man ketāb tamām kardam' is grammatically weak; 'Man ketāb rā tamām kardam' is correct.
Tense Confusion: Mixing up the past stem 'kard' and present stem 'kon'. Remember: 'kardam' (I finished) vs. 'mikonam' (I finish/am finishing).

"اشتباه: من فیلم را تمام شدم."
(Mistake: I 'became' finished the movie. Correct: 'tamām kardam'.)

Another subtle error involves the use of tamām kardan for "running out of" something. While you can say "I finished the milk," if the milk simply ran out, you must use shir tamām shod. Furthermore, learners sometimes over-rely on tamām kardan when more specific verbs like khatm kardan (to terminate/end a meeting) or takmil kardan (to complete a form) would be more appropriate. However, tamām kardan is rarely "wrong" in its basic meaning; it just might lack the professional polish of its synonyms. Lastly, watch out for the prepositional usage. In Persian, you finish "something" directly; you don't usually need a preposition like "with" unless you are using a different verbal construction.

نباید کار را نیمه‌کاره رها کرد، باید آن را تمام کرد.

Spelling in Compound Form: In modern Persian, 'tamām' and 'kardan' are written as two words. Do not join them together into one word.

While تمام کردن is the most versatile verb for finishing, Persian offers a rich palette of alternatives that can add precision to your speech. Depending on whether you are completing a formal document, ending a long-standing conflict, or simply reaching the end of a physical journey, you might choose a different word. Understanding these nuances is what separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker. The word takmil kardan, for instance, is the go-to for "completing" something that has multiple parts or steps, like an application or a puzzle. It implies that something was previously incomplete and you have now provided the missing pieces.

Takmil Kardan (تکمیل کردن): To complete or supplement. Use for forms, sets, or projects that require all components to be present. 'Form rā takmil kardam' (I completed the form).
Be Pāyān Rasāndan (به پایان رساندن): Literally 'to bring to an end.' This is more formal and literary. It is often used for long journeys, careers, or eras. 'Dore-ye tahsili rā be pāyān rasānd' (He brought his educational period to an end).
Khatm Kardan (ختم کردن): To terminate or conclude. Often used for meetings, disputes, or religious recitations (like finishing the Quran). It has a sense of formal closure.

"او پروژه را با موفقیت به پایان رساند."
(He brought the project to a successful end.)

Another interesting alternative is yek-sare kardan, which means to settle something once and for all, often used in the context of disputes or lingering tasks. If you want to say you "closed" a case or a file, you might use bastan (to close). For athletes finishing a race, the verb az khat gozashtan (to cross the line) is more specific. However, in most everyday situations, tamām kardan remains the most natural choice. It is the "utility player" of the Persian lexicon—reliable, clear, and understood by everyone from Kabul to Tehran. By learning the synonyms, you don't replace tamām kardan; you simply learn when to give it a rest in favor of a more specialized term.

لطفاً پرسشنامه را تکمیل کنید.

Anjām Dādan (انجام دادن): To perform or carry out. While not exactly 'finish,' it is often used interchangeably when the focus is on doing the task to its conclusion.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Persian is full of these 'hybrid' compound verbs where an Arabic noun or adjective is paired with a Persian light verb. This reflects the deep historical and cultural exchange between the two languages over 1400 years.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæˈmɑːm kɜːrˈdæn/

US /tæˈmɑm kərˈdæn/

Primary stress is on the second syllable of 'ta-MĀM'. In the conjugated forms, the stress remains on the 'MĀM' syllable.

Rhymes With

Harām (forbidden) Salām (hello) Dām (trap) Bām (roof) Kām (palate/desire) Gām (step) Shām (dinner) Anjām (end/result)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tamām' with two short 'a' sounds (it should be short then long).
Stress on the first syllable 'TA-mam' instead of 'ta-MĀM'.
Merging 'tamām' and 'kardan' into one word without a pause.
Mispronouncing the 'r' in 'kardan' as a French-style 'r'.
Ignoring the 'n' in formal 'kardan'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it's composed of two common words.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the space between 'tamām' and 'kardan'.

Speaking 2/5

Conjugating 'kardan' is basic but essential.

Listening 2/5

Must listen for the 'u' sound in dialects (temum).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

کردن (kardan) من (man) کار (kār) غذا (ghazā) کتاب (ketāb)

Learn Next

تمام شدن (tamām shodan) شروع کردن (shoru' kardan) تکمیل کردن (takmil kardan) خاتمه دادن (khāteme dādan) انجام دادن (anjām dādan)

Advanced

به پایان رساندن مختومه کردن یک‌سره کردن حجت را تمام کردن اکمال (ekmāl)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Formation

Adjective (tamām) + Light Verb (kardan) = New Verb Action.

Transitivity and 'rā'

Ketāb (Object) + rā + tamām kardam (Verb).

Present Stem vs Past Stem

Past: kard | Present: kon.

Subjunctive Mood

Bāyad tamām bokonam (I must finish).

Negative Formation

Tamām na-kardam (I didn't finish). The 'na-' goes on the light verb.

Examples by Level

من ناهارم را تمام کردم.

I finished my lunch.

Simple past tense: tamām + kard + am (1st person singular).

آیا مشقت را تمام کردی؟

Did you finish your homework?

Interrogative in past tense: tamām + kard + i (2nd person singular).

او کتاب را تمام کرد.

He/she finished the book.

3rd person singular in past tense has no ending after 'kard'.

ما بازی را تمام کردیم.

We finished the game.

1st person plural: tamām + kard + im.

آن‌ها چای را تمام کردند.

They finished the tea.

3rd person plural: tamām + kard + and.

شما کار را تمام کردید.

You (plural/formal) finished the work.

2nd person plural: tamām + kard + id.

من این سیب را تمام می‌کنم.

I am finishing this apple.

Present continuous/simple: tamām + mi + kon + am.

زود مشقت را تمام کن!

Finish your homework quickly!

Imperative: tamām + kon (shortened from bokon).

من فیلم را دیشب تمام کردم.

I finished the movie last night.

Use of 'dishab' (last night) with past simple.

او هنوز کارش را تمام نکرده است.

He/she has not finished his/her work yet.

Negative present perfect: tamām + na + karde ast.

ما باید این پروژه را تمام کنیم.

We must finish this project.

Subjunctive after 'bāyad': tamām + bokonim.

آن‌ها خرید را تمام کردند.

They finished the shopping.

Compound noun 'kharid' used as the object.

آیا می‌توانی این نامه را تمام کنی؟

Can you finish this letter?

Subjunctive after 'mitavāni': tamām + bokoni.

من فردا این کتاب را تمام می‌کنم.

I will finish this book tomorrow.

Present simple used for future intent.

او آب را تمام کرد.

He finished the water.

Physical consumption context.

لطفاً صحبتت را تمام کن.

Please finish your talk/speech.

Imperative with 'lotfan' for politeness.

من می‌خواهم قبل از رفتن، گزارشم را تمام کنم.

I want to finish my report before leaving.

Complex sentence with a subordinate clause.

اگر وقت داشتم، نقاشی را تمام می‌کردم.

If I had time, I would have finished the painting.

Conditional sentence: tamām + mikardam.

او دوره دانشگاهش را سال گذشته تمام کرد.

He finished his university course last year.

Academic context with specific time marker.

ما سعی کردیم بحث را تمام کنیم اما نشد.

We tried to finish the argument but it wasn't possible.

Abstract object 'bahs' (argument).

آن‌ها تمام پولشان را در سفر تمام کردند.

They finished (spent) all their money during the trip.

Using 'tamām kardan' to mean 'exhausting resources'.

او با یک حرکت هوشمندانه بازی شطرنج را تمام کرد.

He finished the chess game with a clever move.

Descriptive adverbial phrase 'bā yek harekat-e hooshmandāne'.

باید تا ساعت پنج کار را تمام کرده باشیم.

We must have finished the work by five o'clock.

Future perfect/Subjunctive perfect construction.

او داستان را با یک پایان خوش تمام کرد.

He finished the story with a happy ending.

Narrative context.

دولت اعلام کرد که پروژه سدسازی را تمام کرده است.

The government announced that it has finished the dam construction project.

Formal reporting in indirect speech.

او توانست با پشتکار فراوان، تحصیلاتش را تمام کند.

He was able to finish his studies with great perseverance.

Use of 'tavānestan' with 'tamām kardan' in subjunctive.

نویسنده تصمیم گرفت کتاب را در فصل دهم تمام کند.

The author decided to finish the book in the tenth chapter.

Creative/intentional finishing.

ما باید به این اختلافات بیهوده تمام کنیم.

We must put an end to these useless disputes.

Idiomatic use for ending abstract conflicts.

او با این سخنرانی، به تمام شایعات تمام کرد.

With this speech, he put an end to all the rumors.

Metaphorical use for ending social phenomena.

آن‌ها موفق شدند قرارداد را قبل از پایان سال تمام کنند.

They succeeded in finishing (finalizing) the contract before the end of the year.

Business context: finalizing a deal.

او تمام انرژی‌اش را در مسابقه تمام کرد.

He finished (exhausted) all his energy in the race.

Internal state as an object.

لطفاً این غائله را هر چه زودتر تمام کنید.

Please finish (end) this commotion as soon as possible.

Formal/Legalistic term 'ghā'ele' (commotion/incident).

فیلسوف در آخرین اثر خود، بحث درباره هستی را تمام کرد.

In his last work, the philosopher finished the discussion on existence.

High-level academic/philosophical context.

او با یک حرکت متهورانه، به دوران سلطه رقیب تمام کرد.

With a bold move, he ended the era of his rival's dominance.

Literary/Political usage.

شاعر با بیانی نغز، غزل را به زیباترین شکل تمام کرد.

With eloquent expression, the poet finished the ghazal in the most beautiful way.

Artistic/Literary critique context.

دولت موظف است تا پایان برنامه پنج‌ساله، این طرح را تمام کند.

The government is obliged to finish this plan by the end of the five-year program.

Legal/Bureaucratic obligation.

او با اعتراف به حقیقت، به سال‌ها دروغ و فریب تمام کرد.

By confessing the truth, he put an end to years of lies and deception.

Moral/Ethical resolution.

آن‌ها می‌خواهند این پرونده حقوقی را با مصالحه تمام کنند.

They want to finish this legal case with a settlement.

Legal terminology: finishing via settlement.

او در اواخر عمر، تمام تعلقات دنیوی را تمام کرد.

Towards the end of his life, he finished (severed) all worldly attachments.

Spiritual/Mystical context.

نویسنده با مهارتی خاص، تمام گره‌های داستان را تمام کرد.

The author, with special skill, finished (resolved) all the plot knots.

Metaphorical use for resolving narrative tension.

او با این ایثار، حجت را بر همگان تمام کرد.

With this sacrifice, he left no room for doubt/argument for anyone.

Idiomatic expression 'hojjat rā tamām kardan' (to finalize the proof).

سیاستمدار با زیرکی، غائله را به نفع خود تمام کرد.

The politician cleverly ended the incident in his own favor.

Nuanced political manipulation context.

او در بستر مرگ، با ذکر نام حق، عمر را تمام کرد.

On his deathbed, by mentioning God's name, he finished his life.

Euphemistic/Poetic use for death.

منتقد معتقد است که کارگردان نتوانسته است فیلم را به درستی تمام کند.

The critic believes the director was unable to finish the film properly.

Complex critique using modal verbs and adverbs.

باید این غائله را پیش از آنکه به فاجعه‌ای بدل شود، تمام کرد.

One must end this commotion before it turns into a disaster.

Impersonal 'bāyad' with infinitive for general rules.

او با یک حرکت شطرنج‌گونه، بازی قدرت را به نفع خود تمام کرد.

With a chess-like move, he finished the power game in his favor.

Metaphorical power dynamics.

او با سکوت خود، به تمام پرسش‌های بی‌پاسخ تمام کرد.

With his silence, he put an end to all the unanswered questions.

Paradoxical ending through inaction.

حقوق‌دانان در پی آن هستند که این مناقشه مرزی را تمام کنند.

Legal experts are seeking to finish (resolve) this border dispute.

International law context.

Common Collocations

مشق را تمام کردن

غذا را تمام کردن

پروژه را تمام کردن

کتاب را تمام کردن

بحث را تمام کردن

سخنرانی را تمام کردن

دوره را تمام کردن

پول را تمام کردن

کار را تمام کردن

حجت را تمام کردن

Common Phrases

تمومش کن!

— Finish it! or Stop it! Used to tell someone to end an action or a conversation.

بسه دیگه، تمومش کن!

کار تمام است.

— The job is done/finished. Often used when a task is finally complete.

خیالت راحت، کار تمام است.

تا تمام نکنی، نمی‌روی.

— You aren't going until you finish. A common parental or teacher phrase.

تا غذات رو تمام نکنی، از سر سفره نمی‌ری.

نصفه و نیمه تمام کردن

— To finish something halfway or poorly. Usually a criticism.

کار را نصفه و نیمه تمام کرد و رفت.

با موفقیت تمام کردن

— To finish successfully. Used for achievements.

او مسابقه را با موفقیت تمام کرد.

زود تمام کردن

— To finish early or quickly.

امروز کارم را زود تمام کردم.

به نفع خود تمام کردن

— To finish something in one's own favor.

او بازی را به نفع خود تمام کرد.

یک‌باره تمام کردن

— To finish all at once.

همه کارها را یک‌باره تمام کرد.

حرف را تمام کردن

— To finish what one is saying.

بگذار حرفم را تمام کنم.

دوره را تمام کردن

— To complete a course or a period of time.

سربازی‌اش را تمام کرد.

Often Confused With

تمام_کردن vs تمام شدن (tamām shodan)

This is the passive/intransitive form. Use this when something ends on its own. 'Tamām kardan' is when YOU finish it.

تمام_کردن vs کامل کردن (kāmel kardan)

Means 'to make perfect' or 'to complete'. Very similar, but 'tamām kardan' is more about the end of the process, while 'kāmel kardan' is about the quality of completion.

تمام_کردن vs بستن (bastan)

Means 'to close'. Sometimes used for 'closing' a deal or a conversation, but 'tamām kardan' is more common for finishing a task.

Idioms & Expressions

"حجت را تمام کردن"

— To leave no room for excuses or doubt; to provide the final, conclusive proof.

من با او صحبت کردم و حجت را تمام کردم.

Formal/Idiomatic

"کار را تمام کردن"

— To finish the job, often implying a decisive or final action that secures victory.

مهاجم با یک گل کار را تمام کرد.

General/Sports

"نفس تمام کردن"

— To run out of breath, or metaphorically, to reach the end of one's life.

در انتهای مسابقه نفس تمام کرد.

Literary

"عمر تمام کردن"

— A euphemism for dying; to finish one's life.

او در نود سالگی عمر تمام کرد.

Formal/Polite

"صبر تمام کردن"

— To lose all patience; for patience to run out.

صبرم را تمام کردی!

Informal

"داستان را تمام کردن"

— To end a situation or relationship definitively.

بیا این داستان را برای همیشه تمام کنیم.

Informal

"به خیر و خوشی تمام کردن"

— To finish something on a good and happy note.

خدا را شکر که مراسم به خیر و خوشی تمام شد.

General

"تمام‌قد"

— Full-length or fully (not a verb, but related to 'tamām').

او تمام‌قد از این طرح حمایت کرد.

Formal

"یک‌سره تمام کردن"

— To finish something completely and without interruption.

کتاب را یک‌سره تمام کردم.

General

"غائله را تمام کردن"

— To end a riot, a fuss, or a complicated incident.

پلیس غائله را تمام کرد.

Formal

Easily Confused

تمام_کردن vs تمام شدن

Both translate to 'finish' in English.

Tamām kardan is active (transitive); Tamām shodan is passive (intransitive).

من فیلم را تمام کردم (I finished the movie) vs. فیلم تمام شد (The movie finished).

تمام_کردن vs تکمیل کردن

Both mean 'to complete'.

Takmil kardan is more formal and implies adding missing parts (like a form). Tamām kardan is general.

فرم را تکمیل کردم vs. ناهارم را تمام کردم.

تمام_کردن vs خاتمه دادن

Both mean 'to end'.

Khāteme dādan is used for ending situations or disputes. Tamām kardan is for tasks.

به بحث خاتمه دادند vs. مشق را تمام کردند.

تمام_کردن vs انجام دادن

Doing a task often means finishing it.

Anjām dādan focuses on the performance; Tamām kardan focuses on the completion.

کار را انجام دادم (I did the work) vs. کار را تمام کردم (I finished the work).

تمام_کردن vs قطع کردن

Both stop an action.

Ghat' kardan means 'to cut' or 'interrupt'. Tamām kardan means to reach the natural end.

تلفن را قطع کرد vs. صحبتش را تمام کرد.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] rā tamām kard.

من کتاب را تمام کردم.

[Subject] hanooz [Object] rā tamām nakarde ast.

او هنوز کارش را تمام نکرده است.

[Subject] mikhāhad [Object] rā tamām bokonad.

مریم می‌خواهد درسش را تمام کند.

Agar [Subject] [Object] rā tamām mikard, [Result].

اگر او پروژه را تمام می‌کرد، جایزه می‌گرفت.

Bāyad be in [Abstract Object] tamām kard.

باید به این اختلافات تمام کرد.

[Object]-at rā tamām kon!

غذایت را تمام کن!

[Subject] zood [Object] rā tamām khāhad kard.

ما زود کار را تمام خواهیم کرد.

Āyā [Subject] [Object] rā tamām kardi?

آیا تو فیلم را تمام کردی؟

Word Family

Nouns

اتمام (etmām) - Completion/Ending

تمامیت (tamāmiyat) - Integrity/Wholeness

تکمیل (takmil) - Completion

Verbs

تمام شدن (tamām shodan) - To be finished (intransitive)

تکمیل کردن (takmil kardan) - To complete

خاتمه دادن (khāteme dādan) - To conclude

Adjectives

تمام (tamām) - Complete/Full

تمامی (tamāmi) - Total/Whole

ناتمام (nātamām) - Unfinished

پایان (pāyān) - End

آخر (ākhar) - Last/End

کامل (kāmel) - Complete

انتها (entehā) - Termination

سرانجام (saranjām) - Finally

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the top 100 most used verbs in Persian.

Common Mistakes

من تمام شدم (Man tamām shodam) → من تمام کردم (Man tamām kardam)
Saying 'Man tamām shodam' means 'I am finished/dead'. To say you finished a task, you must use the active 'kardan'.
فیلم تمام کرد (Film tamām kard) → فیلم تمام شد (Film tamām shod)
Objects like movies don't 'do' the finishing. They 'become' finished. Use 'shodan' for events ending.
من کتاب تمام کردم (Man ketāb tamām kardam) → من کتاب را تمام کردم (Man ketāb rā tamām kardam)
Since 'tamām kardan' is transitive, a definite object like 'the book' needs the 'rā' marker.
تمومکردن (Writing it as one word) → تمام کردن (Two words)
Compound verbs in Persian are written as two separate words, though they represent one concept.
باید تمام میکردم (Bāyad tamām mikardam) → باید تمام می‌کردم (Bāyad tamām mikardam - with correct spacing/mi)
Ensure the 'mi-' prefix is attached correctly to the light verb and not the adjective.

Tips

Compound Verb Logic

Remember that only the 'kardan' part changes. 'Tamām' stays the same no matter who is doing the action or when it happens.

The Long 'Ā'

Make sure to stretch the 'ā' in 'tamām'. If you say it too short, it might be harder for native speakers to recognize quickly.

Active vs. Passive

Always ask yourself: 'Did I do it, or did it just happen?' If you did it, use 'kardan'. If it just happened, use 'shodan'.

Synonym Choice

Use 'tamām kardan' for 90% of situations. Only switch to 'takmil kardan' for official forms or complex projects.

Writing Space

In modern Persian typing, use a 'half-space' (z-fāsele) or a full space between 'tamām' and 'kardan'. Never join them.

Ta'arof and Finishing

If someone offers you more food, saying 'tamām kardam' might not be enough. They might think you're being polite. You may need to say it a few times!

Dialect Alert

If you hear 'temum', don't be confused. It's just the colloquial way of saying 'tamām' in many parts of Iran.

Hojjat

Learning the phrase 'Hojjat rā tamām kardan' will really impress your Persian friends. It shows a high level of cultural knowledge.

Imperative Tone

Be careful with 'Tamām-esh kon'. It can be a bit rude if said with a sharp tone. Use it with friends or when you're genuinely annoyed.

Daily Routine

Try to narrate your day in Persian. 'Ghazā rā tamām kardam. Kār rā tamām kardam. Ruz rā tamām kardam.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TAM' as 'Total' and 'ĀM' as 'Amount'. When you have the 'Total Amount' of work done, you 'TAMĀM' it.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red 'FINISH' line at the end of a marathon. The runner crossing it is shouting 'Tamām!' as they 'kardan' (do) the final step.

Word Web

Finish Complete Done End Total Whole Task Kardan

Challenge

Try to use 'tamām kardan' three times today: once for a meal, once for a work task, and once for a book or video you are watching.

Word Origin

The word 'tamām' is an Arabic loanword from the root 'T-M-M' (ت م م), which signifies being complete, full, or finished. The verb 'kardan' is a native Persian light verb from Middle Persian 'kardan', ultimately from Old Persian 'karn-'.

Original meaning: To make complete or to perform the act of completion.

Indo-European (Persian) + Afroasiatic (Arabic loanword).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'tamām-esh kon' (End it) in arguments; it can be dismissive or aggressive depending on the tone.

English speakers often use 'I'm done' for both 'I've finished' and 'I'm tired/fed up'. In Persian, 'tamām kardan' only covers the 'finished' sense.

The phrase 'Tamām-e man' (All of me) in popular Persian songs. Classical poems ending with 'Tamām shod' (It is finished). Iranian cinema often uses 'Tamām' as the final title card instead of 'The End'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

غذا رو تمام کن.
مشقت رو تمام کردی؟
تمیزکاری رو تمام کردم.
فیلم تمام شد.

At Work

گزارش رو تمام کردم.
جلسه رو تمام کنیم.
پروژه کی تمام می‌شه؟
کار رو تمام کردیم.

In Class

امتحان تمام شد.
درس رو تمام کردیم.
کتاب رو تمام کردم.
وقت تمام است.

Shopping

موجودی تمام شد.
پولم تمام شد.
خرید رو تمام کردیم.
همه رو تمام کرد.

General Social

حرفشو تمام کرد.
بحث رو تمام کن.
داستان تمام شد.
رابطه رو تمام کرد.

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال کتابی را در یک روز تمام کرده‌ای؟ (Have you ever finished a book in one day?)"

"معمولاً کارهایت را زود تمام می‌کنی یا دیر؟ (Do you usually finish your tasks early or late?)"

"چطور می‌توانیم این بحث را تمام کنیم؟ (How can we finish/end this argument?)"

"کدام پروژه را اخیراً تمام کرده‌ای؟ (Which project have you finished recently?)"

"آیا مشق‌هایت را برای فردا تمام کردی؟ (Did you finish your homework for tomorrow?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویس که یک کار سخت را تمام کردی و چه حسی داشتی. (Write about a time you finished a hard task and how you felt.)

امروز چه کارهایی را باید تمام کنی؟ لیست کن. (What tasks must you finish today? List them.)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهی کارها را سریع تمام کنی یا با دقت؟ چرا؟ (Do you prefer to finish tasks quickly or with care? Why?)

یک داستان کوتاه بنویس که با جمله 'همه چیز تمام شد' پایان یابد. (Write a short story that ends with the sentence 'Everything finished'.)

اگر می‌توانستی یک چیز را در دنیا برای همیشه تمام کنی، آن چه بود؟ (If you could finish/end one thing in the world forever, what would it be?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. In English, 'I'm done' can mean you are exhausted. In Persian, you should say 'khaste shodam' (I've become tired). 'Tamām kardam' only means you've finished a task.

The word 'tamām' is Arabic, but 'kardan' is Persian. This is a very common type of compound verb in Persian.

You can say 'temum-esh kardam'. The '-esh' is a pronoun suffix meaning 'it'.

'Tamām kardan' focuses on reaching the end point in time. 'Kāmel kardan' focuses on making something whole or perfect. You finish a meal (tamām), but you complete a set of cards (kāmel).

Yes, in a very polite or literary sense. 'Tamām kard' can be a euphemism for 'he/she passed away'.

If the thing you finished is a specific, definite object (like 'the book'), you need 'rā'. If it's general (like 'work' in 'I finished work'), you might not need it.

In formal Persian: 'tamām khāham kard'. In informal Persian, we just use the present tense: 'fardā tamām mikonam'.

It is 'tamām karde'. You use this for perfect tenses, like 'tamām karde-am' (I have finished).

Usually no. That would mean 'I am finished' as in 'I am dead' or 'I am destroyed'. To say you finished a task, always use 'tamām kardam'.

'Be pāyān rasāndan' or 'takmil kardan' sound much more professional in an interview setting.