This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
تمیز دادن

B2 verb 10 min read

تمیز دادن

tamiz dadan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تمیز دادن in 30 Seconds

Explanation تمیز دادن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn that 'tamiz' means 'clean.' For example, 'The room is clean' (Otagh tamiz ast). However, 'tamiz dādan' is a special phrase. It doesn't mean cleaning. It means seeing that two things are different. Imagine you have a red apple and a green apple. You can see they are different. That is 'tamiz dādan.' It is a bit difficult for A1 because it is a formal word. Mostly, A1 students say 'in ba an fargh darad' (this is different from that). But if you want to sound very smart, you can learn that 'tamiz dādan' is about looking closely. You use it with 'az' which means 'from.' 'I distinguish the red from the green.' It is like a puzzle where you find the difference. Don't worry about using it perfectly yet. Just remember: it's not about soap and water! It's about your eyes and your brain working together to see what is unique. In simple stories, you might see a cat that can't 'tamiz dādan' between a mouse and a toy. This helps you understand that it's about making a choice or seeing a truth. Even though it's a B2 word, knowing the 'clean' vs. 'distinguish' difference early will save you a lot of confusion later. Always look for the word 'dādan' after 'tamiz.' If it's 'kardan,' it's cleaning. If it's 'dādan,' it's thinking.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to use more compound verbs. 'Tamiz dādan' is one of those verbs that sounds very impressive at this level. You might use it when talking about simple things like colors, shapes, or people's voices. For example, 'I can't distinguish my brother's voice from my father's voice.' This uses the structure: [Voice 1] + rā + az + [Voice 2] + tamiz dādan. It is important to notice the 'rā' after the first thing you are talking about. At A2, you are building your ability to describe the world, and 'distinguishing' is a part of that. You are moving beyond just 'seeing' things to 'noticing' details. If you have two similar pens, and you can tell which one is yours, you are 'tamiz dādan.' It's a mental action. You will mostly hear this in school or when someone is explaining something carefully. Remember the contrast: 'Tamiz kardan' is for your house, 'Tamiz dādan' is for your mind. If you tell your Persian teacher 'Man otagham ra tamiz dadam,' they will laugh because they think you mean you 'distinguished' your room from other rooms, not that you cleaned it! So, at A2, focus on this difference. It's a great way to practice the light verb 'dādan.' You can also use it for simple tastes, like distinguishing tea from coffee if you were blindfolded. It's all about the senses.

At the B1 level, you are beginning to handle abstract concepts. 'Tamiz dādan' becomes very useful here because you aren't just distinguishing between red and blue anymore; you are distinguishing between ideas. You might talk about distinguishing between a 'good friend' and a 'bad friend,' or between 'truth' and 'lies.' This verb shows that you are thinking critically. In B1 reading passages, you might see it in articles about education or psychology. For instance, 'Children at age seven begin to distinguish between reality and fantasy.' Here, 'reality' is 'vāgheyiyat' and 'fantasy' is 'khayāl.' The sentence would be: 'Kudakān dar haft sālegi vāgheyiyat rā az khayāl tamiz midahand.' This level requires you to use the correct tenses. You might use the future tense: 'You will soon distinguish the results.' Or the perfect tense: 'I have distinguished the problem.' It's also the level where you should start noticing the difference between 'tamiz dādan' and 'tashkhis dādan.' 'Tashkhis dādan' is more common for 'I recognized my friend in the crowd,' while 'tamiz dādan' is more for 'I distinguished his voice among many.' It's a subtle but important step in becoming a more fluent speaker. You are now using the word to show judgment and analysis, not just simple looking.

At B2, 'تمیز دادن' is a core part of your vocabulary. You are expected to use it in academic, professional, and formal social contexts. This level is where the word's Arabic roots (Tamyiz) really matter. You should understand that it implies a cognitive 'faculty.' You might use it in an essay about social issues, such as 'distinguishing between constructive criticism and personal attacks.' The grammar should be second nature: using 'rā' correctly and the preposition 'az.' You should also be able to use it in the passive voice or with complex modal structures: 'Bayad betavān in do mas'ale rā az ham tamiz dād' (One must be able to distinguish these two issues from each other). At B2, you are also expected to know the noun form 'tamyiz' or 'ghovve-ye tamiz' (the power of discernment). This is common in legal or philosophical discussions. If you are watching an Iranian news debate, listen for how the speakers use this verb to separate different political strategies. It's a word that adds precision to your arguments. You can also use it in art criticism to discuss distinguishing different periods of an artist's work. The key at B2 is 'nuance.' You aren't just telling things apart; you are analyzing their unique qualities. It's the difference between a casual observer and an expert. Using this word correctly marks you as an advanced learner who understands the intellectual traditions of the Persian language.

For C1 learners, 'تمیز دادن' is a tool for deep philosophical and literary analysis. At this level, you should be comfortable using the verb in highly formal contexts, including academic writing and classical literature analysis. You will encounter it in the works of great thinkers who discuss the 'tamyiz' of the soul or the 'tamyiz' of the intellect. You should also be aware of its synonyms and be able to explain why you chose 'tamiz dādan' over 'tashkhis dādan' or 'tafāvot ghā'el shodan.' In C1, you might use it to discuss the 'discernment' required to interpret complex metaphors in Hafez's poetry. The word carries a weight of 'clarity' and 'wisdom.' You might also see it in legal texts regarding the 'age of discernment' (senn-e tamyiz) and be able to discuss the implications of this in a legal or sociological framework. Your usage should be flawless, incorporating it into complex sentences with multiple clauses. For example: 'In the absence of a clear framework, distinguishing between ethical imperatives and pragmatic necessities becomes a daunting task for any leader.' You should also be able to recognize the word in its various derived forms and understand its historical evolution from the Arabic root. At C1, this word is not just a verb; it's a concept that represents the human capacity for logic and moral judgment.

At the C2 level, 'تمیز دادن' is used with the mastery of a native scholar. You understand the profound philosophical implications of 'tamyiz' in Islamic and Persian philosophy—the ability of the 'Aql' (intellect) to separate the 'Haqq' (Truth) from 'Bātil' (Falsehood). You can use this verb in the most sophisticated discourse, perhaps in a dissertation or a high-level diplomatic negotiation. You are aware of the subtle rhythm it brings to a sentence and how it interacts with other high-level vocabulary. You might use it to critique the 'lack of discernment' in modern media or to praise the 'sharp discernment' of a historical figure. At this level, you can also play with the word's history, perhaps making a pun or a literary reference to its 'cleanliness' vs. 'discernment' meanings in a poem or a piece of creative writing. You understand its place in the 'Word Family' perfectly, and you can switch between 'tamiz dādan,' 'tamyiz,' and related terms like 'momayyez' (distinguishing/auditor) with ease. Your understanding is not just linguistic but cultural and historical. You see 'tamiz dādan' as part of the broader Persian tradition of 'erfān' (gnosis) and 'hekmat' (wisdom), where the ultimate goal of the human mind is to achieve the highest level of 'tamyiz'—the ability to see the Unity behind the diversity of the world. Your usage is precise, elegant, and contextually perfect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تمیز دادن in 30 Seconds

Distinguish or discern differences.
Used for sensory and mental acts.
Formal compound verb (Tamiz + Dādan).
Requires 'az' (from) for comparison.

The Persian compound verb تمیز دادن (tamiz dādan) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the cognitive and sensory process of distinguishing, discerning, or perceiving the difference between two or more entities. While the word tamiz is ubiquitously known in modern Persian to mean 'clean,' its role in this specific compound verb reaches back to its classical Arabic root tamyīz, which signifies discernment, judgment, and the ability to separate truth from falsehood or one object from another. When you use تمیز دادن, you are not talking about scrubbing a floor; you are talking about the mental faculty required to identify unique characteristics that set things apart.

Cognitive Discernment: This refers to the mental ability to tell the difference between abstract concepts, such as right and wrong, or complex theories in an academic setting.
Sensory Perception: This involves using the five senses to notice differences, like distinguishing between two similar shades of blue or identifying a specific voice in a crowded room.

In everyday life, a person might use this verb when discussing art, where a connoisseur must tamiz dādan between an original masterpiece and a high-quality forgery. In legal contexts, it refers to the age of discernment—the point at which a child can distinguish between beneficial and harmful actions.

کودک هنوز نمی‌تواند خوب را از بد تمیز دهد.
(The child cannot yet distinguish good from bad.)

This verb is essential for B2 learners because it elevates your speech from simple verbs like didān (to see) or fahmidan (to understand) to a level of precise analytical description. It implies a level of effort or expertise; one does not just 'see' a difference, one 'discerns' it. Culturally, Iranians value the ability to be 'daunā' (wise/knowing), and تمیز دادن is the primary tool of the 'daunā' person. Whether it is distinguishing between the subtle flavors of different types of saffron or the nuanced political stances of various speakers, this verb is the hallmark of a refined mind. It is frequently used in scientific papers to describe the differentiation between variables, and in philosophy to discuss the separation of essence from appearance.

من نمی‌توانم صدای این دو ساز را از هم تمیز دهم.
(I cannot distinguish the sound of these two instruments from each other.)

Understanding this word requires moving past the 'clean' definition of tamiz and embracing its role as a marker of intellectual clarity. It is a bridge between sensory input and logical output. For instance, in a foggy landscape, your eyes might see shapes, but your mind must تمیز دادن those shapes to realize one is a tree and the other is a building. This distinction is vital for survival, communication, and aesthetic appreciation.

Visual Distinction: Identifying differences in shape, color, or form.

Using تمیز دادن correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure as a compound verb. It consists of the non-verbal element tamiz and the light verb dādan (to give). In Persian grammar, the object of discernment is typically followed by the preposition az (from) to indicate the second item in the comparison. For example, 'A را از B تمیز دادن' (To distinguish A from B). This structure is consistent across various tenses and moods.

ما باید بتوانیم حقیقت را از دروغ تمیز دهیم.
(We must be able to distinguish truth from lies.)

In the present tense, the stem of dādan is deh. Therefore, 'I distinguish' is tamiz midaham. In the past tense, it is tamiz dādam. One of the most common mistakes for learners is forgetting the 'rā' (direct object marker) when the object being distinguished is specific.

Present Continuous: دارم تلاش می‌کنم این دو دستخط را از هم تمیز بدهم. (I am trying to distinguish these two handwritings from each other.)
Past Perfect: او قبلاً توانسته بود تفاوت‌ها را تمیز دهد. (He had previously been able to distinguish the differences.)

The word 'az ham' (from each other) is a frequent companion to this verb, especially when you are not explicitly naming two different things but referring to a group of similar items.

این دوقلوها چنان شبیه هستند که کسی نمی‌تواند آن‌ها را از هم تمیز دهد.
(These twins are so similar that no one can tell them apart.)

In more formal writing, you might see the word قوه تمیز (ghovve-ye tamiz), referring to the 'faculty of discernment.' This noun phrase is used to describe the capacity itself rather than the act. When using the verb in a sentence about professional expertise, it often appears with modal verbs like tavānestan (to be able to). In academic Persian, تمیز دادن is used to discuss the differentiation of species in biology or the separation of variables in mathematics. It is a high-frequency verb in the humanities as well, particularly in ethics and logic.

منتقد باید بتواند اثر اصیل را از کپی تمیز دهد.
(The critic must be able to distinguish the original work from the copy.)

Using this verb correctly signals to native speakers that you have moved beyond basic vocabulary and are capable of expressing nuanced thought. It shows you understand the 'mechanics' of comparison.

Subjunctive Mood: کاش می‌شد این دو مفهوم را بهتر تمیز داد. (I wish these two concepts could be distinguished better.)

You will encounter تمیز دادن in several specific environments in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. Firstly, it is a staple of educational and academic settings. If you are listening to a lecture on Persian literature, the professor might discuss the importance of tamiz dādan between different poetic styles or historical eras. In science classes, it is used to describe the process of identifying different chemical elements or biological classifications.

در این آزمایش، ما باید یون‌های مختلف را از هم تمیز دهیم.
(In this experiment, we must distinguish different ions from each other.)

Secondly, you will hear it in legal and ethical discourse. News reports about court cases often mention whether a defendant had the 'power of discernment' (ghovve-ye tamiz) at the time of a crime. This is a crucial legal concept in Iran's judicial system, determining the level of responsibility for one's actions.

Legal Context: Used to determine the maturity and mental state of individuals in criminal and civil law.

Thirdly, it is common in art and media criticism. Film critics on Iranian TV or in magazines like 'Film' often use this verb to describe how a director distinguishes their style from their predecessors.

تماشاگر هوشمند می‌تواند هنر واقعی را از شعار تمیز دهد.
(The intelligent viewer can distinguish real art from slogans.)

Fourthly, you will hear it in formal news broadcasts. When news anchors report on complex international situations, they might use tamiz dādan to separate the various political interests involved. It adds a layer of intellectual gravity to the report. In the realm of technology and AI, which is a growing field in Iran, tamiz dādan is used to describe image recognition or data classification. 'How does the computer distinguish a cat from a dog?' would use this verb.

هوش مصنوعی اکنون می‌تواند چهره‌ها را با دقت بالا تمیز دهد.
(AI can now distinguish faces with high accuracy.)

Finally, in religious and philosophical texts, it is a foundational term. Classical Persian poets like Rumi or Saadi often explore the human struggle to tamiz dādan between the transient world and the eternal truth. In this context, the word takes on a spiritual dimension, representing the 'inner light' that allows a person to see the world as it truly is.

Spiritual Discernment: The ability to see beyond the physical world into the metaphysical or moral truth.

The most common mistake English speakers make when learning تمیز دادن is confusing it with the adjective tamiz (clean). Because 'tamiz' is one of the first words students learn (e.g., 'Atāgh-e man tamiz ast' - My room is clean), they often assume tamiz dādan means 'to make clean' or 'to clean.' This is incorrect. The verb for 'to clean' is tamiz kardan or pāk kardan.

Incorrect Usage: من لباسم را تمیز دادم. (I distinguished my clothes - *intended: I cleaned my clothes*.)
Correct Usage: من لباسم را تمیز کردم. (I cleaned my clothes.)

Another frequent error is the omission of the preposition 'az'. In English, we 'distinguish A and B' or 'distinguish between A and B.' In Persian, while you can say 'bayn-e A va B,' the most natural way is 'A را از B تمیز دادن.' Forgetting the 'az' makes the sentence sound incomplete or nonsensical.

Incorrect: من این دو را تمیز می‌دهم.
(Missing 'az ham' or specific comparison.)

Correct: من این دو را از هم تمیز می‌دهم.
(I distinguish these two from each other.)

A third mistake involves the register of the word. While tamiz dādan is used in spoken Persian, it is quite formal. If you are trying to say 'I can't tell the difference' in a very casual setting (like with friends), you might prefer 'tashkhis dādan' or even a simpler phrase like 'nemifahmam fargh-eshun chie' (I don't understand what their difference is). Using tamiz dādan while buying groceries might sound overly academic. Learners also struggle with the object marker 'rā'. Because the act of distinguishing often involves a specific object (the thing you are looking at), 'rā' is almost always required.

Grammar Check: Does the object have 'rā'? If it's 'the truth' (haghighat rā), yes. If it's a general 'truth' (haghighat), maybe not, but usually you are distinguishing specific instances.

Finally, there is the confusion between tamiz dādan and tashkhis dādan. While they are often interchangeable, tashkhis dādan is more about 'identifying' or 'diagnosing' (like a doctor diagnosing a disease), whereas tamiz dādan is specifically about 'separating' or 'telling apart' two things. Using one when you mean the other isn't always a 'mistake,' but it can be less precise.

Persian has several words that overlap with تمیز دادن, and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality you wish to achieve. The most common synonym is تشخیص دادن (tashkhis dādan). This verb is widely used for 'identifying,' 'recognizing,' or 'diagnosing.' While tamiz dādan focuses on the separation of two things, tashkhis dādan focuses on identifying the nature of one thing.

Tashkhis Dādan: Example: دکتر بیماری را تشخیص داد. (The doctor diagnosed the disease.) This is more common in daily speech than 'tamiz dādan.'

Another alternative is تفاوت قائل شدن (tafāvot ghā'el shodan), which means 'to make a distinction' or 'to differentiate.' This is often used in social or moral contexts, such as 'differentiating between people' or 'making a distinction between two theories.' It sounds more deliberate and conscious than a simple sensory perception.

نباید بین شاگردان تفاوت قائل شد.
(One should not make a distinction between students.)

جدا کردن (jodā kardan) literally means 'to separate.' While it often refers to physical separation, it can be used metaphorically to mean 'distinguishing.' For instance, 'jodā kardan-e sarr-e az nāsarr-e' is a common idiom meaning to separate the genuine from the fake. In highly academic or archaic contexts, you might find بازشناختن (bāzshenākhtan). This is a literary term for 'recognizing' or 'distinguishing.' It is beautiful but rarely used in modern conversation.

Comparison Table

Tamiz Dādan: Cognitive/Analytical (Formal). Focus on the 'difference.'
Tashkhis Dādan: Identification/Recognition (Neutral). Focus on the 'identity.'
Jodā Kardan: Physical/Functional (Informal). Focus on the 'separation.'
Tafāvot Ghā'el Shodan: Moral/Social (Formal). Focus on 'treatment/judgment.'

او تفاوت‌های ظریف را به خوبی تشخیص می‌دهد.
(He identifies subtle differences well.)

Finally, the phrase fargh gozāshtan is a more colloquial way to say 'to make a difference' or 'to discriminate.' If a parent favors one child, you would use fargh gozāshtan, not tamiz dādan. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the word that fits the emotional and social weight of your sentence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In early Persian, 'tamiz' was almost exclusively used for 'discernment.' The meaning 'clean' is a much later development, possibly because a 'discerned' or 'selected' thing is often the best/cleanest.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tæmiːz dɑːdæn

US tæmiz dɑdæn

The stress falls on the last syllable of the non-verbal part 'ta-MIZ' and the last syllable of the verb 'dā-DAN'.

Rhymes With

عزیز (Aziz) ناچیز (Nāchiz) ستیز (Setiz) لبریز (Labriz) پاییز (Pāyiz) تیز (Tiz) خیز (Khiz) میز (Miz)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tamiz' as 'ta-miz' with a short 'i' instead of a long 'ee'.
Putting the stress on 'dā' instead of 'dan'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires understanding of compound verb structure and formal vocabulary.

Writing 4/5

Must remember the 'az' preposition and 'rā' marker.

Speaking 3/5

Used in educated speech, but 'tashkhis' is more common.

Listening 4/5

Can be confused with 'tamiz kardan' (cleaning) if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

تمیز (Clean) دادن (To give) تفاوت (Difference) از (From) را (Object marker)

Learn Next

تشخیص دادن متمایز بصیرت قضاوت تحلیل

Advanced

سره از ناسره حق و باطل جوهری و عرضی

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

تمیز می‌دهم، تمیز دادی، تمیز خواهد داد.

Object Marker 'Rā'

حقیقت **را** از دروغ تمیز بده.

Preposition 'Az'

A را **از** B تمیز دادن.

Potential with 'Tavānestan'

می‌توانم آن‌ها را تمیز دهم.

Subjunctive with 'Bāyad'

باید تفاوت را تمیز بدهیم.

Examples by Level

او رنگ قرمز را از آبی تمیز می‌دهد.

He distinguishes red from blue.

Simple present tense: tamiz midahad.

من این دو سیب را تمیز می‌دهم.

I distinguish these two apples.

Using 'rā' for specific objects.

آیا تو این دو برادر را تمیز می‌دهی؟

Do you distinguish these two brothers?

Question form.

او نمی‌تواند گربه را از سگ تمیز دهد.

He cannot distinguish a cat from a dog.

Negative potential with 'nemītavānad'.

ما صداها را تمیز می‌دهیم.

We distinguish the sounds.

Plural subject.

این دو ماشین را تمیز بده.

Distinguish these two cars.

Imperative mood.

من و دوستم این دو عکس را تمیز می‌دهیم.

My friend and I distinguish these two photos.

Compound subject.

بچه‌ها تفاوت‌ها را تمیز می‌دهند.

The children distinguish the differences.

Plural subject and object.

من صدای مادرم را از خاله ام تمیز می‌دهم.

I distinguish my mother's voice from my aunt's.

Using 'az' for comparison.

او توانست کلید درست را تمیز دهد.

He was able to distinguish the correct key.

Simple past with 'tavānest'.

شما باید این دو کلمه را از هم تمیز دهید.

You must distinguish these two words from each other.

Using 'az ham' (from each other).

آن‌ها نتوانستند راه را از چاه تمیز دهند.

They couldn't distinguish the road from the well (idiom: right from wrong).

Idiomatic use of the verb.

او به خوبی عطرهای مختلف را تمیز می‌دهد.

She distinguishes different perfumes well.

Adverb 'be khubi' (well).

ما در تاریکی همراهانمان را تمیز دادیم.

We distinguished our companions in the dark.

Past tense.

آیا می‌توانی خط من را از خط او تمیز دهی؟

Can you distinguish my handwriting from his?

Potential with 'mitavāni'.

او هنوز خوب را از بد تمیز نمی‌دهد.

He still doesn't distinguish good from bad.

Negative present tense.

دانشجویان باید نظریه‌های مختلف را از هم تمیز دهند.

Students must distinguish different theories from each other.

Formal subject 'dāneshjuyān'.

من سعی کردم حقیقت را از شایعه تمیز دهم.

I tried to distinguish truth from rumor.

Past tense 'sa'y kardam'.

او با دقت زیاد، قطعات اصل را تمیز داد.

With great care, he distinguished the original parts.

Adverbial phrase 'bā deghat-e ziyād'.

نویسنده توانست واقعیت را از خیال تمیز دهد.

The writer was able to distinguish reality from fantasy.

Abstract objects.

ما باید یاد بگیریم نیازها را از خواسته‌ها تمیز دهیم.

We must learn to distinguish needs from wants.

Infinitive 'yād begirim'.

او به راحتی لهجه‌های مختلف را تمیز می‌دهد.

He easily distinguishes different accents.

Adverb 'be rāhati' (easily).

آیا شما می‌توانید شراب خوب را از معمولی تمیز دهید؟

Can you distinguish good wine from ordinary?

Formal 'shomā'.

او در سخنرانی‌اش، دو مفهوم را به خوبی تمیز داد.

In his speech, he distinguished the two concepts well.

Past tense 'tamiz dād'.

یک منتقد هنری باید بتواند اثر اصیل را از کپی تمیز دهد.

An art critic must be able to distinguish an original work from a copy.

Modal 'bayad betavānad'.

در این مقاله، تفاوت‌های ساختاری به دقت تمیز داده شده‌اند.

In this article, structural differences have been carefully distinguished.

Passive voice 'tamiz dāde shode-and'.

او با تکیه بر تجربه، دوست را از دشمن تمیز داد.

Relying on experience, he distinguished friend from foe.

Participial phrase 'bā takye bar tajrobe'.

توانایی تمیز دادن بین این دو متغیر برای تحقیق ضروری است.

The ability to distinguish between these two variables is essential for the research.

Gerund/Noun use of the verb.

او هنوز به سنی نرسیده که نفع خود را از ضرر تمیز دهد.

He hasn't reached an age yet to distinguish his benefit from harm.

Complex sentence with 'ke'.

ما باید بتوانیم نقد سازنده را از توهین تمیز دهیم.

We must be able to distinguish constructive criticism from insult.

Abstract moral concepts.

قاضی باید بتواند شهادت دروغ را از راست تمیز دهد.

The judge must be able to distinguish false testimony from true.

Legal context.

او در میان هیاهو، صدای حق را تمیز داد.

Amidst the clamor, he distinguished the voice of truth.

Literary/Metaphorical use.

فیلسوف می‌کوشد جوهر را از عرض در اشیاء تمیز دهد.

The philosopher strives to distinguish essence from accident in objects.

Highly formal/philosophical vocabulary.

تمیز دادن میان این دو مکتب فکری نیازمند مطالعه عمیق است.

Distinguishing between these two schools of thought requires deep study.

Gerund subject.

او با بصیرت خود، سره را از ناسره تمیز داد.

With his insight, he distinguished the pure from the impure (idiom).

Classical idiom 'sarre az nā-sarre'.

در متون کلاسیک، تمیز دادن بین استعاره و حقیقت دشوار است.

In classical texts, distinguishing between metaphor and truth is difficult.

Literary analysis context.

او به سطحی از آگاهی رسیده که کثرت را از وحدت تمیز می‌دهد.

He has reached a level of awareness where he distinguishes multiplicity from unity.

Sufi/Philosophical context.

تمیز دادن مرز دقیق بین این دو پدیده تقریباً غیرممکن است.

Distinguishing the exact boundary between these two phenomena is almost impossible.

Scientific/Academic tone.

او در تحلیل خود، انگیزه‌های سیاسی را از اهداف اقتصادی تمیز داد.

In his analysis, he distinguished political motives from economic goals.

Complex object phrases.

قوه تمیز او در مسائل پیچیده حقوقی زبانزد است.

His power of discernment in complex legal matters is well-known.

Noun phrase 'ghovve-ye tamiz'.

عرفا بر این باورند که تمیز دادن حق از باطل غایت کمال انسانی است.

Mystics believe that distinguishing truth from falsehood is the ultimate human perfection.

Mystical/Theological discourse.

او در رساله‌اش به ظرافت تمام، تفاوت‌های اپیستمولوژیک را تمیز داده است.

In his treatise, he has distinguished epistemological differences with utmost subtlety.

Highly academic 'epistemological'.

فقدان قوه تمیز در جوامع مدرن منجر به بحران‌های هویتی می‌گردد.

The lack of the power of discernment in modern societies leads to identity crises.

Sociological critique.

او چنان در هنر غرق بود که مرز واقعیت و رویا را تمیز نمی‌داد.

He was so immersed in art that he didn't distinguish the boundary of reality and dream.

Expressing intense states of mind.

تمیز دادن دقیقِ مفاهیم انتزاعی از مصادیق عینی، چالش اصلی این پژوهش است.

The precise distinction of abstract concepts from concrete instances is the main challenge of this research.

Complex Ezafe constructions.

او با تکیه بر عقلانیت انتقادی، ایدئولوژی را از علم تمیز داد.

Relying on critical rationality, he distinguished ideology from science.

Modern philosophical terminology.

در غیاب معیار، تمیز دادن سره از ناسره در فضای مجازی ناممکن می‌نماید.

In the absence of a criterion, distinguishing the genuine from the fake in cyberspace seems impossible.

Formal 'mi-namāyad' (seems).

او با مهارتی شگرف، لایه‌های پنهانی معنا را از پوسته ظاهری کلام تمیز می‌دهد.

With tremendous skill, he distinguishes the hidden layers of meaning from the outward shell of the word.

Metaphorical/Literary depth.

Common Collocations

خوب را از بد تمیز دادن

حق را از باطل تمیز دادن

رنگ‌ها را تمیز دادن

صداها را از هم تمیز دادن

اصل را از کپی تمیز دادن

واقعیت را از خیال تمیز دادن

دو مفهوم را تمیز دادن

لهجه‌ها را تمیز دادن

سره را از ناسره تمیز دادن

نفع را از ضرر تمیز دادن

Common Phrases

قدرت تمیز

— The power of discernment. Used to describe someone's intelligence.

او قدرت تمیز بالایی دارد.

به قوه تمیز رسیدن

— To reach the age of discernment (legal/developmental).

کودک به قوه تمیز رسیده است.

تمیز دادن از هم

— To distinguish from one another.

این دو را از هم تمیز بده.

قادر به تمیز دادن بودن

— To be capable of distinguishing.

او قادر به تمیز دادن تفاوت‌ها نیست.

سخت بودن تمیز دادن

— For it to be difficult to distinguish.

تمیز دادن این دو خط خیلی سخت است.

ملاک تمیز دادن

— The criterion for distinguishing.

ملاک تمیز دادن این دو چیست؟

خطای تمیز دادن

— An error in discernment.

او دچار خطای تمیز دادن شد.

تمیز دادن بصری

— Visual distinction.

تمیز دادن بصری در این آزمایش مهم است.

تمیز دادن اخلاقی

— Moral discernment.

تمیز دادن اخلاقی وظیفه هر انسانی است.

عدم توانایی در تمیز دادن

— Inability to distinguish.

عدم توانایی در تمیز دادن رنگ‌ها نوعی بیماری است.

Often Confused With

تمیز دادن vs تمیز کردن

This means 'to clean' and is the most common confusion for beginners.

تمیز دادن vs تشخیص دادن

This means 'to identify' or 'to diagnose.' It is similar but focuses on identity rather than difference.

تمیز دادن vs تفاوت داشتن

This means 'to be different' (a state), while 'tamiz dādan' is the action of seeing that difference.

Idioms & Expressions

"راه را از چاه تمیز دادن"

— To know the difference between the right path and a pitfall; to be wise.

او هنوز راه را از چاه تمیز نمی‌دهد.

Common

"سره را از ناسره تمیز دادن"

— To distinguish pure gold from alloy; to separate the good from the bad.

منتقد واقعی سره را از ناسره تمیز می‌دهد.

Literary

"دوغ را از دوشاب تمیز ندادن"

— Not knowing the difference between yogurt drink and grape syrup (to be very ignorant).

او چنان نادان است که دوغ را از دوشاب تمیز نمی‌دهد.

Colloquial

"موی را از ماست کشیدن"

— While related to precision, it implies the extreme discernment needed to find a hair in yogurt.

او در تمیز دادن جزئیات موی را از ماست می‌کشد.

Idiomatic

"تفاوت از زمین تا آسمان است"

— Used when things are so different that 'tamiz dādan' is easy.

تمیز دادن این دو راحت است، تفاوتشان از زمین تا آسمان است.

Colloquial

"چشم بسته تمیز دادن"

— To distinguish something even with eyes closed (to know it very well).

من دستخط او را چشم بسته تمیز می‌دهم.

Informal

"به چشم دیدن و تمیز دادن"

— To see with one's own eyes and discern.

باید خودت بیایی و تمیز بدهی.

Neutral

"گندم را از ریگ تمیز دادن"

— To separate wheat from pebbles (to find the value in a mess).

او در این آشفته‌بازار گندم را از ریگ تمیز داد.

Literary

"خواب را از بیداری تمیز ندادن"

— Not distinguishing between dream and reality (to be confused).

او از شدت تب خواب را از بیداری تمیز نمی‌داد.

Neutral

"خود را از دیگران تمیز دادن"

— To distinguish oneself (to stand out).

او با هنرش خود را از دیگران تمیز داد.

Formal

Easily Confused

تمیز دادن vs تمیز کردن

They share the word 'tamiz'.

'Kardan' means to make clean; 'Dādan' means to distinguish.

اتاق را تمیز کردم (I cleaned), اما تفاوت را تمیز دادم (I distinguished).

تمیز دادن vs تشخیص دادن

Both involve mental recognition.

'Tashkhis' is identifying what something IS; 'Tamiz' is identifying how it is DIFFERENT.

بیماری را تشخیص دادم (I identified the disease).

تمیز دادن vs جدا کردن

Both involve separation.

'Jodā kardan' is usually physical; 'Tamiz dādan' is usually mental.

نخود را از لوبیا جدا کردم (Physical separation).

تمیز دادن vs شناختن

Both involve knowing.

'Shenākhtan' is general knowledge/acquaintance; 'Tamiz dādan' is specific analytical separation.

من او را می‌شناسم (I know him).

تمیز دادن vs تمایز

It is the noun form/related verb.

'Tamāyoz' is often used for 'differentiation' in a more abstract or evolutionary sense.

تمایز بین گونه‌ها (Differentiation between species).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Color] rā az [Color] tamiz midahad.

او آبی را از سبز تمیز می‌دهد.

[Subject] nemitavānad [Noun] rā az [Noun] tamiz dehad.

بچه نمی‌تواند سگ را از گربه تمیز دهد.

[Subject] sa'y kard [Abstract] rā az [Abstract] tamiz dehad.

من سعی کردم راست را از دروغ تمیز دهم.

Bāyad betavān [Noun] rā az [Noun] tamiz dād.

باید بتوان نقد را از توهین تمیز داد.

Tamiz dādan-e [Noun] az [Noun] niyāzmand-e [Noun] ast.

تمیز دادن سره از ناسره نیازمند تجربه است.

Dar ghayāb-e [Noun], tamiz dādan-e [Noun] az [Noun] doushvār mi-namāyad.

در غیاب معیار، تمیز دادن حق از باطل دشوار می‌نماید.

[Subject] [Noun] rā az ham tamiz dād.

او دوقلوها را از هم تمیز داد.

Ghovve-ye tamiz-e [Person] dar [Field] mash-hur ast.

قوه تمیز او در هنر مشهور است.

Word Family

Nouns

تمیز (Discernment)

تامییز (Distinction - Arabic form)

ممیز (Auditor/Distinguisher)

تمایز (Differentiation)

Verbs

متمایز کردن (To make distinct)

تمیز کردن (To clean - *careful!*)

Adjectives

متمایز (Distinct)

قابل تمیز (Distinguishable)

ممتاز (Excellent/Distinguished)

تشخیص

تفاوت

جداسازی

شناخت

بصیرت

How to Use It

frequency

Moderate (High in formal contexts)

Common Mistakes

من لباسم را تمیز دادم. → من لباسم را تمیز کردم.
The user wanted to say 'I cleaned my clothes' but used the verb for 'distinguish' instead.
او تفاوت تمیز می‌دهد. → او تفاوت را تمیز می‌دهد.
Missing the object marker 'rā' makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
من این دو را تمیز می‌دهم. → من این دو را از هم تمیز می‌دهم.
Without 'az ham' (from each other), the sentence feels incomplete in Persian.
دکتر بیماری را تمیز داد. → دکتر بیماری را تشخیص داد.
While 'tamiz' is about difference, 'tashkhis' is the standard word for medical diagnosis.
او خوب از بد تمیز می‌دهد. → او خوب را از بد تمیز می‌دهد.
Forgetting the 'rā' after the first noun in the comparison.

Tips

The 'Az' Rule

Always remember that 'tamiz dādan' almost always requires the preposition 'az' (from). You are distinguishing one thing *from* another.

Don't Clean!

If you want to clean your room, use 'kardan.' If you want to show you are smart and can see differences, use 'dādan.'

Academic Writing

This is a great verb to use in university assignments or formal letters to show a high level of Persian proficiency.

Long 'ee'

Make sure the 'i' in 'tamiz' is long, like the 'ee' in 'see.' If it's too short, it might be harder to understand.

The Well and the Road

Learn the phrase 'rāh rā az chāh tamiz dādan.' It's a very common way to say someone is wise and knows right from wrong.

Formal Situations

Use this verb in job interviews or when talking to professors. It shows you have a nuanced vocabulary.

Suffix Check

In spoken Persian, 'tamiz midaham' often sounds like 'tamiz midam.' Listen for that 'dam' at the end.

Rā Placement

The 'rā' goes after the first object you mention. 'In rā az ān tamiz bede.'

D for Discern

Dādan starts with D, and so does Distinguish. Kardan starts with K, and so does... well, Kleaning (with a K!).

Sensory Practice

Practice by looking at similar objects and saying out loud: 'Man A rā az B tamiz mī-deham.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tamiz' as 'The Mind's Eyes.' When you 'Tamiz Dādan,' you are 'Giving' your 'Mind's Eyes' a chance to see the difference.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a magnifying glass, looking at two slightly different diamonds. The magnifying glass represents the 'Tamiz.'

Word Web

Logic Senses Difference Wisdom Truth Comparison Vision Judgment

Challenge

Try to distinguish between three different types of tea by smell alone and describe the process using 'tamiz dādan.'

Word Origin

From the Arabic root 'm-y-z' (م ی ز) which relates to separating or setting apart. The Persian 'dādan' (to give) is added to form a compound verb.

Original meaning: To give distinction; to exercise judgment.

Arabic root with Indo-European (Persian) light verb.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that using it for people (distinguishing between races/classes) can sound discriminatory depending on the context, just like in English.

English speakers often use 'tell apart' or 'tell the difference,' which maps perfectly to 'tamiz dādan.'

Mawlana Rumi often speaks of the 'tamyiz' of the soul. The Iranian Civil Code uses 'senn-e tamyiz' to define legal maturity.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Art Gallery

تمیز دادن سبک‌ها
تمیز دادن اصل از بدل
ظرافت‌های هنری

Science Lab

تمیز دادن نمونه‌ها
تمیز دادن واکنش‌ها
دقت در تمیز دادن

Courtroom

قوه تمیز متهم
تمیز دادن حقیقت
شهادت کذب

Classroom

تمیز دادن مفاهیم
تمیز دادن پاسخ درست
قدرت تحلیل

Everyday Life

تمیز دادن دوقلوها
تمیز دادن کلیدها
تمیز دادن صداها

Conversation Starters

"آیا می‌توانی لهجه تهرانی را از اصفهانی تمیز دهی؟"

"چطور می‌توانیم خبر راست را از دروغ تمیز دهیم؟"

"به نظر تو، در چه سنی کودکان خوب را از بد تمیز می‌دهند؟"

"آیا تمیز دادن این دو مارک گوشی برایت سخت است؟"

"چگونه یک متخصص، فرش دستباف را از ماشینی تمیز می‌دهد؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز موقعیتی را بنویس که در آن تمیز دادن حقیقت برایت دشوار بود.

درباره اهمیت تمیز دادن نیازها از خواسته‌ها در زندگی مدرن بنویس.

چگونه تجربه به ما کمک می‌کند تا آدم‌های واقعی را از ریاکار تمیز دهیم؟

تفاوت‌های دو شهر محبوبت را با استفاده از فعل 'تمیز دادن' شرح بده.

آیا تکنولوژی به ما در تمیز دادن بهترِ مسائل کمک کرده است یا خیر؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'tamiz dādan' specifically means to distinguish or discern. To say 'to clean,' you must use 'tamiz kardan.' Confusing these two is a very common mistake for Persian learners.

You use the structure: [Object 1] + rā + az + [Object 2] + tamiz dādan. For example: 'Rast rā az dorugh tamiz bede' (Distinguish truth from lies).

Yes, but it sounds a bit more formal or educated. In very casual speech, people might say 'tashkhis dādan' or just explain the difference using 'fargh.'

It translates to 'the power of discernment.' It is a formal term used in psychology, law, and philosophy to describe the mental ability to tell things apart.

Yes, you can use it to say you can't 'tell people apart,' like twins. 'Nemītavānam inhā rā az ham tamiz deham.'

The present stem is 'deh' (from dādan). So, 'I distinguish' is 'tamiz mī-deham.'

Not really for this specific meaning, but 'tashkhis dādan' is a common alternative that is slightly more versatile.

Absolutely. It is frequently used for distinguishing colors, sounds, smells, and tastes.

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

The opposite would be 'khalat kardan' (to confuse/mix up) or 'eshtebāh gereftan' (to mistake one for another).