تمسخر کردن
تمسخر کردن in 30 Seconds
- تمسخر کردن means to mock or ridicule someone with scorn.
- It involves laughing at or making fun of someone negatively.
- It's stronger than simple teasing and implies contempt.
- Avoid using it for lighthearted jokes; use synonyms like 'شوخی کردن'.
The Persian verb 'تمسخر کردن' (tamsokhar kardan) translates directly to 'to mock' in English. It signifies the act of ridiculing, making fun of, or laughing at someone or something in a scornful, contemptuous, or derisive manner. This action often involves belittling, taunting, or imitating someone's characteristics, actions, or words in a way that is intended to cause embarrassment or humiliation.
People use 'تمسخر کردن' in a wide range of social situations, from casual banter among friends to more serious instances of bullying or public derision. It can be directed at an individual, a group, or even an idea or concept. The intent behind mocking is typically to assert superiority, to express disapproval, or simply to amuse oneself or others at the expense of the target. It's important to note that while sometimes used playfully, 'تمسخر کردن' often carries a negative connotation, implying unkindness and a lack of respect.
Consider the subtle nuances: it's not just teasing; there's an element of scorn or contempt involved. It can range from a sarcastic remark to a full-blown imitation intended to highlight perceived flaws or absurdities. The act can be verbal, through jokes or insults, or non-verbal, through gestures, facial expressions, or actions. The impact on the person being mocked can be significant, leading to feelings of shame, anger, or sadness. Therefore, understanding the weight of this verb is crucial for comprehending social interactions in Persian-speaking contexts.
- Examples of Usage
- Someone might mock a politician's speech by imitating their accent.
- Children might mock a classmate for wearing different clothes.
- Satirical news programs often mock societal trends.
او عادت داشت که از دیگران تمسخر کند تا احساس برتری کند.
نباید به خاطر ظاهرشان کسی را تمسخر کرد.
- Cultural Context
- In many cultures, including Persian culture, mocking is generally frowned upon as it can lead to social ostracization and emotional distress. However, humor that involves gentle teasing or satire, which can sometimes border on mockery, is also a part of social interaction. The line between acceptable humor and harmful mockery can be thin and depends heavily on the context, relationship between individuals, and the intent behind the words or actions.
'تمسخر کردن' is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object – the person or thing being mocked. The structure is typically: Subject + (Object) + تمسخر کردن. It's formed by combining the noun 'تمسخر' (tamsokhar), meaning mockery or ridicule, with the verb 'کردن' (kardan), meaning 'to do' or 'to make'. This compound verb structure is very common in Persian, allowing for a wide range of expressions.
When forming sentences, consider who is doing the mocking (the subject) and who or what is being mocked (the object). The object often comes before the verb. For example, 'من او را تمسخر کردم' (man oo raa tamsokhar kardam) means 'I mocked him/her.' The particle 'را' (raa) is used to mark the direct object when it is specific.
The verb can be conjugated in various tenses and moods. For instance, in the present tense, it might be 'تمسخر میکند' (tamsokhar mikonad) - 'he/she mocks'. In the past tense, as seen earlier, it's 'تمسخر کرد' (tamsokhar kard). The infinitive form is 'تمسخر کردن' (tamsokhar kardan).
- Sentence Structures
- Subject + Object + را + تمسخر کردن (past tense)
- Subject + Object + را + تمسخر + می کردن (present tense - informal)
- The act of mocking (تمسخر) can be used as a noun itself.
آنها سعی کردند که با حرفهایشان مرا تمسخر کنند.
معلم، دانشآموزانی را که دیر آمده بودند، تمسخر نکرد، بلکه آنها را راهنمایی کرد.
- Negation
- To negate the verb, the prefix 'نـ' (na-) is added before the verb, usually forming 'نکردن' (nakardan) in the past and 'نمیکردن' (nami kardan) in the present. For example, 'او مرا تمسخر نکرد' (oo mara tamsokhar nakard) means 'He did not mock me.'
این شوخیها فقط برای خنده بود و قصد نداشتند کسی را تمسخر کنند.
You'll encounter 'تمسخر کردن' in a variety of real-life scenarios and media. In everyday conversations, it might come up when people discuss social dynamics, conflicts, or instances of unkind behavior. For example, someone might recount how a group of colleagues mocked a new idea proposed by a team member, or how children were seen mocking each other on the playground.
In news reports or documentaries, 'تمسخر کردن' can be used to describe how certain groups or individuals have been targeted with ridicule, perhaps in political discourse or social movements. Think about discussions of cyberbullying, where online comments can often be described as 'تمسخر کردن' the victim.
Literature and film are rich grounds for this verb. Novels and stories might depict characters who are either perpetrators or victims of mockery. A character might be known for their sarcastic wit, which often involves 'تمسخر کردن' others, or a protagonist might face hardship because they are mocked for their differences. Plays and skits often use mockery for comedic effect, though the underlying message can be critical.
- Media Examples
- You might hear it on Iranian television shows, in satirical comedy sketches, or in dramas where social conflicts are portrayed.
- News discussions about bullying or public shaming might use this term.
- Podcasts discussing social issues or personal experiences might feature stories involving 'تمسخر کردن'.
در فیلم، شخصیت منفی داستان، قهرمان را به خاطر لباسهایش تمسخر میکرد.
گزارشگران خبری، سیاستمدارانی را که سخنان نامتعارفی داشتند، تمسخر کردند.
- Social Media and Online Forums
- On platforms like Twitter or Instagram, users might describe how someone's post or comment was met with mockery from others. This can be a common way to express criticism or disdain for content.
مردم در شبکههای اجتماعی، عکسهای خندهدار او را تمسخر میکردند.
One common mistake for learners is confusing 'تمسخر کردن' with simple teasing or joking. While teasing can sometimes involve lighthearted mockery, 'تمسخر کردن' often implies a stronger sense of contempt, derision, or intent to belittle. Learners might use it in situations where a gentler word like 'شوخی کردن' (shookhi kardan - to joke) or 'اذیت کردن' (aziayat kardan - to bother/tease) would be more appropriate.
Another potential pitfall is the incorrect conjugation or usage of the object marker 'را' (raa). Forgetting 'را' when it's needed, or using it incorrectly, can lead to grammatically awkward or incorrect sentences. Remember that 'را' is typically used when the direct object is specific or definite.
Pronunciation can also be a challenge. The 'ت' (t) sound at the beginning of 'تمسخر' is a voiceless alveolar stop, similar to the English 't'. The 'س' (s) is like the English 's', and the 'خ' (kh) is a guttural sound, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch' or German 'Bach'. Incorrectly pronouncing these sounds can make the word difficult to understand.
- Mistake 1: Overuse in Light Teasing
- Using 'تمسخر کردن' when 'شوخی کردن' (to joke) or 'اذیت کردن' (to tease) would be more fitting. This can make your speech sound harsher than intended.
- Example of Incorrect Usage: 'دوستمان داشت مرا شوخی میکرد.' (Incorrect, should be 'اذیت میکرد' or similar if it's teasing).
- Correct Usage: 'دوستمان مرا اذیت میکرد.' (Our friend was teasing me).
غلط: او مرا تمسخر کرد چون لباس رنگی پوشیده بودم. (اگر منظور شوخی بوده باشد)
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Object Marker Usage
- Omitting 'را' when the object is specific, or using it with indefinite objects. This can lead to ambiguity or grammatical errors.
- Example of Incorrect Usage: 'آنها دانشآموز تمسخر کردند.' (Ambiguous, which student?)
- Correct Usage: 'آنها دانشآموزان را تمسخر کردند.' (They mocked the students - specific group).
غلط: معلم، دانشآموز را تمسخر کرد. (اگر معلم فقط یک دانشآموز را تمسخر کرده باشد، این درست است، اما اگر منظورش کلی دانشآموزان است، باید «دانشآموزان را» باشد)
- Mistake 3: Pronunciation of 'خ' (kh)
- The Persian 'خ' sound is often challenging for English speakers. It's a voiceless velar fricative, produced at the back of the throat. English speakers might substitute it with 'k' or 'h', which can alter the meaning or make the word unrecognizable.
- Practice saying 'خاک' (khak - soil) or 'خانه' (khaneh - house) to get the feel for the sound.
تلفظ نادرست: 'تمسکر کردن' به جای 'تمسخر کردن'.
While 'تمسخر کردن' is a direct translation of 'to mock', Persian offers several related words that convey similar or slightly different shades of meaning. Understanding these nuances can significantly enrich your vocabulary and improve the precision of your communication.
The most common synonym is 'مسخره کردن' (maskhareh kardan). Both 'تمسخر کردن' and 'مسخره کردن' mean 'to mock' or 'to make fun of'. However, 'تمسخر کردن' can sometimes carry a slightly stronger connotation of contempt or derision, whereas 'مسخره کردن' might be used more broadly for general jesting or making someone the butt of a joke. In many everyday contexts, they are interchangeable.
Another related term is 'استهزا کردن' (estehza kardan). This word also means 'to mock' or 'to ridicule', but it often implies a more formal or literary tone, and can suggest mockery that is more intellectual or philosophical in nature, perhaps mocking someone's beliefs or pretensions.
For lighter forms of teasing, 'شوخی کردن' (shookhi kardan) means 'to joke' or 'to tease playfully'. If the teasing is more persistent or annoying, 'اذیت کردن' (aziayat kardan) might be used, meaning 'to bother', 'to annoy', or 'to tease in a bothersome way'.
- Comparison Table
- تمسخر کردن (tamsokhar kardan): To mock, ridicule with contempt. Often implies a strong negative emotion.
- مسخره کردن (maskhareh kardan): To mock, make fun of. Very common, often interchangeable with 'تمسخر کردن', can be used for lighter mockery too.
- استهزا کردن (estehza kardan): To mock, ridicule. More formal/literary, can imply intellectual or philosophical mockery.
- شوخی کردن (shookhi kardan): To joke, to tease playfully. Lighthearted, no negative intent.
- اذیت کردن (aziayat kardan): To bother, annoy, tease in a bothersome way. Can be unpleasant but not necessarily mockery.
او دوستانش را مسخره میکرد اما هیچوقت دل کسی را نمیشکست.
- Example Sentences
- Instead of saying 'He mocked the idea', you could say 'او آن ایده را تمسخر کرد' (stronger contempt) or 'او آن ایده را مسخره کرد' (more general).
- If someone is being playfully teased about their outfit, 'شوخی میکردند' might be better than 'تمسخر میکردند'.
- Satirical articles in a newspaper might use 'استهزا' to describe the mockery of societal norms.
فیلسوف، ادعاهای پوچ او را با لحنی آرام اما قاطع استهزا کرد.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The concept of mockery and ridicule exists across many languages and cultures, often serving as a social tool for enforcing norms, expressing dissent, or asserting dominance. The structure of forming verbs by combining a noun with 'کردن' is a characteristic feature of Persian.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'خ' (kh) as 'k' or 'h'.
- Incorrectly rolling or tapping the 'r'.
- Misplacing the stress, making the word sound unnatural.
- Pronouncing the vowels incorrectly, especially the short 'a' in 'kardan'.
Difficulty Rating
At B1 level, learners can understand the main points of texts on familiar matters. 'تمسخر کردن' would appear in contexts describing social interactions, conflicts, or humorous situations. Understanding the nuances might require attention to context and tone.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Use of the object marker 'را' (raa)
Subject + Object + را + تمسخر کردن. Example: 'من او را تمسخر کردم.' (I mocked him/her.)
Passive voice construction 'مورد ... قرار گرفتن'
Subject + مورد + تمسخر + قرار گرفت. Example: 'او مورد تمسخر قرار گرفت.' (He/She was mocked.)
Formation of compound verbs with 'کردن'
Noun/Adjective + کردن. Example: 'تمسخر' + 'کردن' = 'تمسخر کردن'.
Negation with 'نـ' (na-)
تمسخر نکردن. Example: 'او مرا تمسخر نکرد.' (He did not mock me.)
Adjective formation with '-آمیز'
تمسخر + آمیز = تمسخرآمیز (mocking, scornful). Example: 'با لحنی تمسخرآمیز'.
Examples by Level
بچهها او را مسخره کردند.
The children mocked him/her.
'را' (raa) marks the direct object 'او' (oo).
آن مرد همیشه دیگران را اذیت میکند.
That man always bothers/teases others.
'اذیت کردن' is a simpler verb for bothering or teasing.
آنها با هم شوخی میکنند.
They are joking with each other.
'شوخی کردن' is for playful joking.
او از حرفهایم خندید.
He/She laughed at my words.
This is a simpler expression of amusement, not necessarily mockery.
لطفا مرا مسخره نکن.
Please don't make fun of me.
Negative imperative of 'مسخره کردن'.
آنها صدای مرا تقلید کردند.
They imitated my voice.
Imitation can be a form of mockery.
او همیشه از من ایراد میگیرد.
He/She always finds fault with me.
Finding fault can be a precursor to mockery.
این یک شوخی بود.
This was a joke.
Clarifying that an action was not mockery.
آنها شخصیتهای سیاسی را به خاطر حرفهایشان تمسخر کردند.
They mocked the political figures for their words.
'تمسخر کردن' used with a specific group and reason.
نباید کسی را به خاطر ظاهرش تمسخر کرد.
One should not mock someone for their appearance.
General advice using the infinitive form as a subject.
او با طنز تلخی دیگران را مسخره میکرد.
He used bitter humor to mock others.
'مسخره کردن' used with a descriptive adverb 'تلخی' (bitterly).
گزارشگر، سخنان او را استهزا کرد.
The reporter ridiculed his statements.
'استهزا کردن' used in a more formal context.
آنها به خاطر لهجهاش او را تمسخر میکردند.
They mocked him because of his accent.
Using 'به خاطر' (because of) to explain the reason for mockery.
این رفتار، نشاندهنده تمسخر بود.
This behavior was indicative of mockery.
Using the noun 'تمسخر' (mockery).
او تلاش کرد تا خنده را از چهرهاش پاک کند، اما نتوانست جلوی تمسخر آنها را بگیرد.
He tried to erase the smile from his face, but couldn't stop their mockery.
Using the noun form in a sentence about enduring mockery.
گاهی اوقات، شوخیها مرز بین دوستی و تمسخر را مشخص میکنند.
Sometimes, jokes define the line between friendship and mockery.
Discussing the fine line between joking and mocking.
در فضای مجازی، دیدم که کاربران، پست او را به شدت تمسخر میکنند.
On social media, I saw users heavily mocking his post.
Using 'به شدت' (heavily/severely) to intensify the act of mocking.
این نوع طنز، اغلب با هدف استهزای نابرابریهای اجتماعی نوشته میشود.
This type of satire is often written with the aim of ridiculing social inequalities.
'استهزا' used in the context of satire and social commentary.
او به خاطر عقایدش مورد تمسخر قرار گرفت، اما تسلیم نشد.
He was subjected to mockery because of his beliefs, but he did not give in.
Passive voice construction 'مورد تمسخر قرار گرفتن' (to be subjected to mockery).
منتقدان، فیلم را به خاطر صحنههای غیرواقعیاش مسخره کردند.
The critics mocked the film for its unrealistic scenes.
Using 'مسخره کردن' in a critical review context.
در دوران کودکی، اغلب بچهها یکدیگر را به شیوههای مختلف تمسخر میکنند.
In childhood, children often mock each other in various ways.
General statement about childhood behavior using 'یکدیگر' (each other).
آن نمایش کمدی، به شکلی هوشمندانه، کلیشههای رایج را تمسخر میکرد.
That comedy show cleverly mocked common stereotypes.
Using 'به شکلی هوشمندانه' (cleverly) to describe the manner of mockery.
اینکه کسی را به خاطر اشتباهاتش تمسخر کنیم، هیچ کمکی به پیشرفتش نمیکند.
Mocking someone for their mistakes does not help their progress at all.
Discussing the negative consequences of mockery.
اغلب، قدرت واقعی در برابر تمسخر، سکوت و حفظ کرامت است.
Often, true strength against mockery is silence and preserving dignity.
Using 'تمسخر' as a noun in a philosophical statement.
پدیدهی تمسخر در فضای مجازی، گاه ابعادی فراتر از یک شوخی ساده پیدا میکند.
The phenomenon of mockery in cyberspace sometimes takes on dimensions beyond a simple joke.
Using 'پدیده' (phenomenon) and 'فضای مجازی' (cyberspace) for a more complex sentence.
این اثر هنری، با ظرافتی خاص، ریاکاری حاکمان را به سخره میگیرد.
This artwork, with a particular subtlety, ridicules the hypocrisy of the rulers.
'به سخره گرفتن' is a more literary and sophisticated way to say 'to mock'.
او در تحلیل خود، سعی در استهزای رویکردهای سنتی داشت.
In his analysis, he attempted to ridicule traditional approaches.
'استهزای' (ridicule of) used as a noun derived from the verb.
جامعهای که در آن تمسخر امری عادی تلقی شود، از نظر روانی بیمار است.
A society in which mockery is considered normal is psychologically ill.
Discussing societal implications of mockery.
این نمایشنامه، با استفاده از کمدی سیاه، وضعیت اسفبار زندگی کارگران را تمسخر میکند.
This play, using black comedy, mocks the miserable living conditions of the workers.
'کمدی سیاه' (black comedy) and detailed description of the subject.
بیتوجهی به انتقادات سازنده و تمسخر آنها، نشانهی خودبزرگبینی است.
Ignoring constructive criticism and mocking it shows megalomania.
Connecting mockery to negative personality traits.
هنر طنزپردازی، گاه از دل تمسخر واقعیتهای تلخ اجتماعی بیرون میآید.
The art of satire sometimes emerges from the mockery of bitter social realities.
Exploring the origin of satire.
او از قابلیت بالایی در تقلید صداها و حرکات دیگران برای تمسخر برخوردار بود.
He possessed a high ability to imitate others' voices and movements for mockery.
Describing a talent for mockery through imitation.
فرهنگ عامه غالباً بازتابدهنده و گاه تشدیدکننده انواع تمسخر، از شوخیهای بیضرر گرفته تا بدخواهیهای سازمانیافته است.
Popular culture often reflects and sometimes intensifies various forms of mockery, from harmless jokes to organized malice.
Sophisticated vocabulary like 'فرهنگ عامه' (popular culture), 'بازتابدهنده' (reflecting), 'تشدیدکننده' (intensifying), 'بدخواهیهای سازمانیافته' (organized malice).
این اثر ادبی، با رویکردی پستمدرن، نه تنها شخصیتها، بلکه خودِ ژانر رمان را به سخره میگیرد.
This literary work, with a postmodern approach, ridicules not only the characters but also the novel genre itself.
Using literary terms like 'پستمدرن' (postmodern) and 'ژانر' (genre).
جامعهشناسیِ طنز، به بررسی چگونگی کارکرد استهزا به عنوان ابزاری برای نقد اجتماعی و حفظ هنجارها میپردازد.
The sociology of humor examines how ridicule functions as a tool for social critique and norm maintenance.
Academic vocabulary like 'جامعهشناسی' (sociology), 'کارکرد' (function), 'نقد اجتماعی' (social critique), 'هنجارها' (norms).
فقدان همدلی در فضای مجازی، به بستری برای رواج تمسخرهای بیرحمانه و بیملاحظه تبدیل شده است.
The lack of empathy in cyberspace has become a breeding ground for the prevalence of ruthless and inconsiderate mockery.
Complex phrasing: 'فقدان همدلی' (lack of empathy), 'بستری برای رواج' (breeding ground for prevalence), 'بیرحمانه' (ruthless), 'بیملاحظه' (inconsiderate).
تحلیل گفتمانِ انتقادی، اغلب به دنبال شناسایی شیوههای ظریف و پنهانِ تمسخر در متون سیاسی و رسانهای است.
Critical discourse analysis often seeks to identify subtle and hidden methods of mockery in political and media texts.
Specialized academic field: 'تحلیل گفتمان انتقادی' (critical discourse analysis), 'شیوههای ظریف و پنهان' (subtle and hidden methods).
درک تمایز میان شوخیِ دوستانه، کنایه، و تمسخرِ خصمانه، نیازمند تسلطی عمیق بر بافت فرهنگی و زبانی است.
Understanding the distinction between friendly joking, sarcasm, and hostile mockery requires a deep mastery of cultural and linguistic context.
Distinguishing subtle forms of communication: 'کنایه' (sarcasm), 'خصمانه' (hostile), 'تسلطی عمیق' (deep mastery), 'بافت فرهنگی و زبانی' (cultural and linguistic context).
تاریخ ادبیات سرشار از نمونههایی است که در آن نویسندگان از استهزا به عنوان سلاحی برای افشای فساد و انحطاط بهره بردهاند.
Literary history is replete with examples where authors have used ridicule as a weapon to expose corruption and decadence.
Figurative language: 'سرشار از نمونهها' (replete with examples), 'سلاحی برای افشا' (weapon to expose), 'فساد و انحطاط' (corruption and decadence).
واکنشهای متقابل در بحثهای آنلاین، گاه به سرعت از تبادل نظر به سمت تمسخر متقابلِ شخصیتها سوق پیدا میکند.
The mutual reactions in online discussions sometimes quickly shift from exchanging views to mutual mockery of personalities.
Describing dynamic online interactions: 'واکنشهای متقابل' (mutual reactions), 'تبادل نظر' (exchanging views), 'سوق پیدا میکند' (shifts towards).
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Don't make fun of someone! / Don't mock someone!
وقتی کسی ناراحت است، به او بگو: "کسی را مسخره نکن!"
— What he/she did was mockery.
وقتی دیدم چگونه با او رفتار کرد، فهمیدم کارش تمسخر بود.
— They mocked him/her because of ...
او را به خاطر لهجهاش تمسخر کردند.
— These words are mockery.
وقتی کسی حرفهای بیمنطق میزند، شاید بگوییم: "این حرفها تمسخر است."
— They did not intend to mock.
شاید حرفهایش شوخی بود، آنها قصد تمسخر نداشتند.
— He/She was mocked / became the target of mockery.
بعد از آن اشتباه، او در محل کار مورد تمسخر قرار گرفت.
Often Confused With
'شوخی کردن' means to joke or tease in a lighthearted way, without negative intent. 'تمسخر کردن' implies scorn and contempt, making it a more hurtful action.
'اذیت کردن' means to bother or annoy. While it can involve teasing, it doesn't necessarily carry the same level of contempt or ridicule as 'تمسخر کردن'.
'کنایه زدن' means to use sarcasm or irony. While sarcasm can be a tool for mockery, 'تمسخر کردن' is the broader act of ridiculing, which may or may not involve sarcasm.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to pour salt on a wound'. This idiom refers to exacerbating someone's pain or distress, which can be done through mockery.
وقتی داشت گریه میکرد، حرفهای او مثل آب نمک ریختن روی زخم بود و او را بیشتر آزار داد.
Informal/Common— Literally 'to put someone to work'. This idiom means to trick or fool someone, often for amusement. While not direct mockery, it can involve making fun of someone's gullibility.
دوستانش او را سر کار گذاشتند و گفتند فردا تعطیل است، اما در واقع کلاس داشتند.
Informal— Literally 'to level with the soil'. This idiom means to completely destroy, ruin, or humiliate someone. Mockery can be a part of this process of utter humiliation.
منتقد تئاتر، نمایش را با خاک یکسان کرد و گفت هیچ ارزشی ندارد.
Figurative/Strong— Literally 'to take someone's eye out'. This idiom means to do something extremely harmful or damaging, often financially or reputationally. Intense mockery can contribute to this.
آن شرکت با قیمتگذاری پایین، چشم رقبای خود را درآورد.
Figurative/Strong— Literally 'to put someone on the hand'. This means to tease or make fun of someone, usually in a lighthearted way, but can sometimes border on mockery.
بچهها دوست جدیدشان را کمی دست انداختند چون حرفهای بامزهای میزد.
Informal— Literally 'the mockery of history'. This refers to how historical events or figures are sometimes viewed with ridicule or irony in retrospect.
با گذشت زمان، بسیاری از تصمیمات آن دوران به ریشخند تاریخ تبدیل شد.
Literary/Figurative— Literally 'to take someone to the wind of mockery'. This means to subject someone to widespread mockery or ridicule.
بعد از آن اشتباه بزرگ، او را به باد مسخره گرفتند.
Figurative/Strong— Literally 'to hit the heart with a taunt'. This refers to making a sarcastic or mocking remark that deeply hurts someone.
حرف او مثل طعنه به دل زدن بود و اشک او را درآورد.
Figurative/Emotional— Literally 'to bring a smile to someone's lips (in the sense of mockery)'. This is a less common construction, but mockery can sometimes be intended to provoke a certain reaction, even if it's forced or uncomfortable.
او با حرفهای نیشدارش سعی داشت خنده بر لب کسی بیاورد، اما در واقع او را آزار میداد.
Figurative/Nuanced— Literally 'to make someone a target of arrows'. This means to make someone the object of criticism, ridicule, or attack.
بعد از آن سخنرانی، او سیبل تیر انتقادات و تمسخر همه شد.
Figurative/StrongEasily Confused
Both 'تمسخر کردن' and 'مسخره کردن' translate to 'to mock' or 'to make fun of'.
'تمسخر کردن' often carries a stronger sense of contempt and derision, implying a more serious or malicious intent to belittle. 'مسخره کردن' is more general and can be used for lighter forms of jesting or making someone the butt of a joke, and is arguably more common in everyday spoken Persian.
او ایدههای جدید را <strong>تمسخر کرد</strong>. (He mocked the new ideas, showing contempt.) او دوستانش را <strong>مسخره میکرد</strong>. (He used to make fun of his friends, possibly in a more playful way.)
Both involve belittling someone.
'تحقیر کردن' focuses on the act of humiliating or degrading someone, often through actions or words that strip them of dignity. 'تمسخر کردن' is a specific form of belittling that uses ridicule, scorn, or contemptuous laughter. You can humiliate someone without necessarily mocking them, and mockery is a way to achieve humiliation.
قاضی او را به خاطر دروغهایش <strong>تحقیر کرد</strong>. (The judge humiliated him for his lies.) آنها او را به خاطر ترسش <strong>تمسخر کردند</strong>. (They mocked him for his fear.)
Both mean to ridicule or mock.
'استهزا کردن' is generally more formal and literary than 'تمسخر کردن'. It can imply a more intellectual or philosophical ridicule, perhaps mocking someone's pretensions or beliefs, and is less likely to be used for casual, everyday mockery.
فیلسوف، ادعاهای او را <strong>استهزا کرد</strong>. (The philosopher ridiculed his claims.) کودکان او را <strong>تمسخر کردند</strong>. (The children mocked him.)
Both involve making critical or derisive remarks.
'طعنه زدن' means to taunt or make sarcastic remarks, often indirectly. The focus is on the sharpness or bitterness of the remark. 'تمسخر کردن' is the broader act of ridiculing, which might involve taunting but also includes laughter, imitation, or other forms of derision.
او با <strong>طعنه</strong> گفت: "چه خوب که بالاخره آمدی." (He said sarcastically: "Good that you finally arrived.") آنها او را به خاطر دیر آمدنش <strong>تمسخر کردند</strong>. (They mocked him for arriving late.)
Both can involve making fun of someone.
'شوخی کردن' is lighthearted teasing or joking, done with positive or neutral intent. 'تمسخر کردن' is mocking, implying scorn, contempt, and a desire to belittle. The intent and emotional tone are key differences.
دوستانش با هم <strong>شوخی میکردند</strong>. (His friends were joking with each other.) آنها او را به خاطر اشتباهش <strong>تمسخر کردند</strong>. (They mocked him for his mistake.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Object + را + مسخره کردن (Past)
آنها مرا مسخره کردند.
Subject + Object + را + تمسخر کردن (Past)
بچهها او را تمسخر کردند.
نباید + Object + را + تمسخر کرد
نباید کسی را تمسخر کرد.
Subject + Object + را + به خاطر + Reason + تمسخر کردن (Past)
آنها او را به خاطر لهجهاش تمسخر کردند.
Subject + مورد + تمسخر + قرار گرفتن (Passive)
او مورد تمسخر همکارانش قرار گرفت.
Subject + با + Adverbial Phrase + استهزا کردن
منتقد با لحنی استهزاگرایانه فیلم را نقد کرد.
Noun Phrase + Subject + Verb (e.g., تمسخر + کردن)
تمسخر کردن دیگران کار پسندیدهای نیست.
Complex sentence with nuanced vocabulary
پدیدهی تمسخر در شبکههای اجتماعی، اغلب به عنوان ابزاری برای اعمال قدرت و تحقیر استفاده میشود.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High (especially 'مسخره کردن' and 'تمسخر کردن')
-
Using 'تمسخر کردن' for light teasing.
→
Using 'شوخی کردن' or 'دست انداختن'.
'تمسخر کردن' implies scorn and contempt, which is much stronger than light teasing. Using it inappropriately can make your speech sound harsh or aggressive.
-
Forgetting the object marker 'را' (raa).
→
Adding 'را' after the specific direct object.
When the object of mockery is specific (e.g., 'him', 'the idea'), the particle 'را' is usually required. Omitting it can lead to grammatical errors or ambiguity.
-
Pronouncing 'خ' (kh) as 'k' or 'h'.
→
Pronouncing 'خ' as a guttural fricative sound.
The Persian 'خ' sound is distinct from English 'k' or 'h'. Mispronouncing it can change the word entirely or make it difficult to understand.
-
Confusing 'تمسخر کردن' with 'تحقیر کردن' in all contexts.
→
Understanding that 'تحقیر کردن' (to humiliate) is broader, while 'تمسخر کردن' is a specific type of ridicule.
While mockery can lead to humiliation, 'تحقیر کردن' focuses on degrading someone's dignity, which can be achieved through means other than just ridicule.
-
Using 'تمسخر کردن' in a passive sentence without the correct structure.
→
Using 'مورد تمسخر قرار گرفتن'.
The passive voice for 'to be mocked' is typically expressed as 'مورد تمسخر قرار گرفتن', not by simply negating the active verb or using a different passive construction.
Tips
Distinguish from Teasing
Remember that 'تمسخر کردن' implies scorn and contempt, unlike playful teasing ('شوخی کردن'). Focus on the negative intent behind the action when using this verb.
Master the 'خ' Sound
The Persian 'خ' (kh) is a guttural sound. Practice it by saying words like 'خانه' (khaneh - house) or 'کتابخانه' (ketābkhanēh - library) to get the feel for it. Incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning or make the word unrecognizable.
Object Marker 'را'
When 'تمسخر کردن' has a specific direct object (e.g., 'him', 'the idea'), remember to use the object marker 'را' (raa) after the object. Example: 'او مرا تمسخر کرد.'
Consider the Tone
The meaning of 'تمسخر کردن' can vary slightly with context. Pay attention to the speaker's tone, facial expressions, and the overall situation to fully grasp the intention behind the mockery.
Sentence Creation
Actively create your own sentences using 'تمسخر کردن' in different tenses and contexts. Try to describe scenarios where mockery occurs, focusing on the reasons and consequences.
Broaden Your Range
Learn and use synonyms like 'مسخره کردن', 'استهزا کردن', and 'به سخره گرفتن' to express different shades of mockery and adapt to various registers (formal vs. informal).
Understand Cultural Implications
Be aware that mockery can be a sensitive topic in Persian culture, similar to many others. While satire exists, overt or malicious mockery is generally frowned upon. Understand the social implications.
Identify in Media
When watching Persian movies or listening to podcasts, try to identify instances where 'تمسخر کردن' or related terms are used. Note the context and the emotional tone.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use 'تمسخر کردن' for simple teasing. If the intent is lighthearted, use 'شوخی کردن' or 'دست انداختن' instead to avoid sounding overly harsh.
Trace the Roots
Understanding that 'تمسخر' comes from an Arabic root related to making something appear small can help solidify the meaning of contempt and belittlement associated with the verb.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone trying to 'Tame' a 'Sore' 'Kha'n (a type of bread) by mocking it. They say, 'Oh, you're so sore and tough, you're just a pathetic piece of bread!' This silly image of mocking bread helps remember 'Tamsokhar'.
Visual Association
Picture a person with a very exaggerated, scornful smile, pointing at someone else who looks sad or embarrassed. The smile is the 'mocking' part, and the exaggerated expression emphasizes the contempt.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a situation where someone was mocked, using 'تمسخر کردن'. Focus on the emotion behind the mockery – was it malicious, playful, or critical?
Word Origin
The word 'تمسخر' itself is derived from the Arabic root 'سخر' (sakhira), which relates to mocking, jesting, or making light of something. The Persian verb 'کردن' (kardan) is added to form the compound verb 'تمسخر کردن'.
Original meaning: The Arabic root implies making something appear small or insignificant through jest or ridicule.
Indo-European (Persian) / Semitic (Arabic origin of 'سخر')Cultural Context
Mockery can be a sensitive topic. While some forms might be intended as humor, it can easily cross the line into bullying or harassment. Learners should be mindful of the context and potential impact when using or interpreting this word.
In English-speaking cultures, 'to mock' carries a similar negative connotation of scorn and contempt. While playful teasing exists, 'mockery' generally implies unkindness. The use of satire and irony is also prevalent, which can sometimes employ elements of mockery.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Schoolyard dynamics
- بچهها او را تمسخر میکردند.
- نباید کسی را به خاطر ظاهرش مسخره کرد.
- آنها به خاطر قدش او را دست انداختند.
Social media interactions
- کاربران پست او را تمسخر کردند.
- آنها با کامنتهایشان او را به باد مسخره گرفتند.
- این نوع محتوا باعث تمسخر میشود.
Political commentary/Satire
- برنامه طنز، سیاستمداران را استهزا کرد.
- آنها سخنان او را تمسخرآمیز تلقی کردند.
- این نقد، بیشتر شبیه تمسخر بود.
Interpersonal conflicts/Disagreements
- او به خاطر اشتباهش مورد تمسخر قرار گرفت.
- حرفهایش مثل طعنه به دل زدن بود.
- آنها قصد تمسخر نداشتند، فقط شوخی میکردند.
Describing negative behavior
- این رفتار نشانه تمسخر بود.
- او از تمسخر دیگران بیزار است.
- باید از تمسخر پرهیز کرد.
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever witnessed someone being mocked? How did it make you feel?"
"What's the difference between teasing and mockery in your opinion?"
"Can you think of a time when mockery was used for humor, and was it effective?"
"How do you think people should react when they are being mocked?"
"Is there a particular type of mockery that you find most offensive?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you felt mocked. What were the circumstances and how did you respond?
Write about a character in a book or movie who often mocks others. Analyze their motivations.
Reflect on a time you might have unintentionally mocked someone. What did you learn from that experience?
Imagine a society where mockery is completely absent. How would social interactions change?
Compose a short story where mockery plays a central role in the plot, either as a cause of conflict or a means of resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe literal translation of 'تمسخر کردن' is 'to do mockery' or 'to make mockery'. It is a compound verb formed by the noun 'تمسخر' (mockery, ridicule) and the verb 'کردن' (to do/make).
Generally, yes. 'تمسخر کردن' implies scorn and contempt, making it a negative action that can hurt others. While satire or parody might use elements of mockery, the core meaning of 'تمسخر کردن' is unkind ridicule. It's different from lighthearted teasing or joking ('شوخی کردن').
Both mean 'to mock'. 'تمسخر کردن' can sometimes imply a stronger sense of contempt or derision, often used for more serious or malicious mockery. 'مسخره کردن' is more common in everyday speech and can also be used for lighter forms of making fun. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.
To negate the verb, you add the prefix 'نـ' (na-) before 'کردن'. So, in the past tense, it becomes 'تمسخر نکرد' (did not mock), and in the present tense, it becomes 'تمسخر نمیکند' (does not mock).
Yes, 'تمسخر' (tamsokhar) itself is a noun meaning 'mockery' or 'ridicule'. For example, 'تمسخر او باعث ناراحتیاش شد' (His mockery caused him distress).
Generally, 'تمسخر' itself is not considered polite due to its inherent meaning of scorn. However, satire or parody, which might use elements of ridicule, can sometimes be used constructively or humorously in specific contexts, but the term 'تمسخر کردن' itself usually implies negativity.
Practice by creating sentences describing situations where someone is being mocked, focusing on the reason and the emotion involved. Also, try to differentiate it from similar verbs like 'شوخی کردن' and 'تحقیر کردن' by writing example sentences for each.
In formal writing, you might encounter 'تمسخر کردن' when discussing social issues, literature, or historical events. More formal synonyms like 'استهزا کردن' or 'ریشخند کردن' might also be used to convey ridicule.
This phrase means 'to be subjected to mockery' or 'to be ridiculed'. It's the passive form, indicating that the person is the recipient of the mockery.
Yes, the concept can extend to self-mockery ('خودتمسخری' - khod-tamsokhari), where someone makes fun of themselves, often in a self-deprecating way. However, 'تمسخر کردن' usually implies mocking others.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The Persian verb 'تمسخر کردن' (tamsokhar kardan) signifies the act of mocking or ridiculing someone with a sense of scorn or contempt. It's more than just teasing; it implies a deliberate attempt to belittle or humiliate another person. Use this verb when you want to describe unkind laughter or derision directed at someone.
- تمسخر کردن means to mock or ridicule someone with scorn.
- It involves laughing at or making fun of someone negatively.
- It's stronger than simple teasing and implies contempt.
- Avoid using it for lighthearted jokes; use synonyms like 'شوخی کردن'.
Distinguish from Teasing
Remember that 'تمسخر کردن' implies scorn and contempt, unlike playful teasing ('شوخی کردن'). Focus on the negative intent behind the action when using this verb.
Master the 'خ' Sound
The Persian 'خ' (kh) is a guttural sound. Practice it by saying words like 'خانه' (khaneh - house) or 'کتابخانه' (ketābkhanēh - library) to get the feel for it. Incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning or make the word unrecognizable.
Object Marker 'را'
When 'تمسخر کردن' has a specific direct object (e.g., 'him', 'the idea'), remember to use the object marker 'را' (raa) after the object. Example: 'او مرا تمسخر کرد.'
Consider the Tone
The meaning of 'تمسخر کردن' can vary slightly with context. Pay attention to the speaker's tone, facial expressions, and the overall situation to fully grasp the intention behind the mockery.
Related Content
More emotions words
عاشق
A1Feeling or showing love; deeply in love.
عاشق بودن
A2To love, to be in love
عاشق شدن
A2To develop strong romantic feelings for someone.
عاشقانه
B1Lovingly, romantically; in a loving or romantic way.
عاطفه
A2Affection, emotion, sentiment.
اعتقاد
A2A strong belief or faith.
اعتماد
A2Trust, confidence, reliance.
اعتماد کردن
A2To trust; to rely on.
عجب
B1An exclamation of wonder, surprise, or amazement; how strange! amazing!
عجول
A1Impatient; having or showing a tendency to be quickly irritated or provoked.