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توضیح دادن

A1 verb #900 most common 9 min read

توضیح دادن

tozih dadan Top 900

At the A1 level, 'توضیح دادن' is one of the first compound verbs you will learn. It is essential for basic communication. You will use it to ask for help ('Please explain this word') or to give simple information. At this stage, focus on the present tense 'توضیح می‌دهم' and the simple past 'توضیح دادم'. You should be able to use it with simple nouns like 'درس' (lesson), 'کلمه' (word), or 'آدرس' (address). The grammar is straightforward: just put the noun you are explaining before the verb, usually with 'را'. It's a key word for surviving in a Persian-speaking environment because it allows you to ask for clarity when you don't understand something.

At the A2 level, you start using 'توضیح دادن' in more varied contexts. You can now use it with 'برای' (for) to specify who you are explaining to. You might also start using the imperative form 'توضیح بده' (explain!) or 'توضیح بدهید' (please explain) more naturally. You can describe daily routines or simple problems, such as explaining why you are late or how to cook a simple dish. You should also be comfortable using it in the negative form ('توضیح ندادم') and with modal verbs like 'می‌خواهم توضیح بدهم' (I want to explain). This level is about moving from single words to simple, functional sentences.

At the B1 level, you can use 'توضیح دادن' to discuss more abstract topics. You might explain your opinions, your plans for the future, or the plot of a movie. You are now comfortable with complex sentence structures, such as 'I explained that...' (توضیح دادم که...). You can also use the word in different tenses, including the present perfect ('توضیح داده‌ام') and the past continuous ('داشتم توضیح می‌دادم'). Your vocabulary around the verb expands to include synonyms like 'شرح دادن' for more detailed accounts. You can participate in longer conversations where you have to justify your thoughts or clarify complex situations.

At the B2 level, 'توضیح دادن' becomes a tool for professional and academic interaction. You can explain technical processes, social issues, or complex arguments with ease. You understand the nuance between 'توضیح دادن' and more specific verbs like 'روشن کردن' (to clarify). You can use the passive voice ('توضیح داده شد' - it was explained) and are comfortable with the subjunctive mood in complex conditional sentences. You can follow and provide detailed explanations in meetings or presentations. Your use of the verb is fluent, and you can handle interruptions or requests for further clarification without losing your train of thought.

At the C1 level, you use 'توضیح دادن' and its synonyms with precision and stylistic flair. You can distinguish between 'توضیح' (explanation), 'تبیین' (explication), and 'تفسیر' (interpretation). You use the verb to navigate subtle social dynamics, such as providing a diplomatic explanation for a sensitive issue. You can write long essays or reports where you provide exhaustive explanations of complex theories or historical events. You are also familiar with idiomatic expressions and literary uses of the word. Your speech is sophisticated, and you can explain not just 'what' but the 'how' and 'why' behind intricate concepts with native-like fluency.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'توضیح دادن' is complete. You can use it in any context, from high-level legal discourse to classical poetry. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its usage has evolved. You can provide spontaneous, detailed explanations of highly abstract philosophical or scientific concepts. You can also use the word ironically or metaphorically. You are capable of critiquing others' explanations and providing superior alternatives. At this level, the verb is not just a means of communication but a tool for precise intellectual expression, allowing you to articulate the finest shades of meaning in the Persian language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

توضیح دادن in 30 Seconds

توضیح دادن means 'to explain' in Persian.
It is a compound verb combining 'توضیح' (explanation) and 'دادن' (to give).
Commonly used with the preposition 'برای' (for) to indicate the listener.
Essential for all levels of Persian, from basic requests to academic discourse.

The Persian verb توضیح دادن (tozih dādan) is a fundamental compound verb that every learner must master early on. At its core, it means 'to explain' or 'to clarify.' In Persian, compound verbs are formed by combining a noun or adjective with a 'light verb.' Here, the noun توضیح (explanation) is paired with the verb دادن (to give). Literally, you are 'giving an explanation.' This concept is vital because it covers a vast range of scenarios, from a teacher explaining a complex mathematical theorem to a friend explaining why they were late for dinner. The beauty of this word lies in its versatility across all registers of speech, from the most formal academic settings to the most casual street slang.

Core Meaning: To make a concept, situation, or action understandable by providing details or reasons.

معلم درس را برای دانش‌آموزان توضیح داد.

The teacher explained the lesson to the students.

When you use توضیح دادن, you are implying a process of clarification. It isn't just speaking; it is speaking with the intent to enlighten. In Persian culture, where indirect communication can sometimes lead to ambiguity, the act of 'tozih dādan' is often requested to ensure everyone is on the same page. You will hear it in the workplace when a manager asks for a project update, or in a family setting when a parent asks a child to explain their behavior. It is a word that bridges the gap between confusion and understanding.

لطفاً بیشتر توضیح بدهید.

Please explain more.

Social Context: Used when someone needs to justify their actions or clarify a misunderstanding.

Furthermore, the word carries a certain weight of responsibility. If you are the one 'explaining,' you are the authority on that specific piece of information at that moment. In Persian literature and media, you'll see this verb used when experts are interviewed or when authors provide prefaces to their works. It is the gateway to knowledge sharing. Whether you are explaining a recipe, a route on a map, or a deep philosophical concept, توضیح دادن is your primary tool.

او سعی کرد مشکل را توضیح دهد اما کسی گوش نکرد.

Usage Tip: Always use the preposition 'برای' (for) to indicate who you are explaining to.

می‌توانی این کلمه را برای من توضیح بدهی؟

In conclusion, mastering توضیح دادن is not just about learning a verb; it is about acquiring the ability to communicate logic and reason in Persian. It is one of the most frequently used verbs in the language because humans are constantly in need of clarity. From the classroom to the courtroom, and from the kitchen to the boardroom, this verb is omnipresent.

Using توضیح دادن correctly requires an understanding of Persian sentence structure, specifically how compound verbs interact with objects. Since it is a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the thing being explained—which is often followed by the object marker را (rā). The person receiving the explanation is typically introduced with the preposition برای (barāye - for).

Sentence Pattern: [Subject] + [Object] + را + [برای + Person] + [توضیح دادن conjugated].

من نقشه را برای دوستم توضیح دادم.

I explained the map to my friend.

In the present tense, the light verb دادن changes its stem to دهـ (deh). For example, 'I explain' becomes توضیح می‌دهم (tozih midaham). In the past tense, it uses the stem داد (dād), as in توضیح دادم (tozih dādam). It is crucial to keep the noun part 'توضیح' separate from the conjugated verb part, though they function as a single unit of meaning.

او نمی‌تواند این موضوع را توضیح دهد.

He cannot explain this subject.

When asking a question, you might use the imperative form to ask someone to explain something. The imperative of دادن is بده (bedeh), so 'Explain!' is توضیح بده (tozih bedeh). In formal situations, you would use the plural/polite form توضیح بدهید (tozih bedehid). This is very common in educational settings where a student might ask a teacher for more details.

Common Variation: Using 'درباره‌ی' (about) instead of a direct object: توضیح دادن درباره‌ی چیزی.

درباره‌ی سفرت توضیح بده.

Explain about your trip.

As you advance, you will notice that توضیh دادن can be used with complex clauses. For instance, 'Explain why you did that' would be توضیح بده چرا آن کار را کردی. In these cases, the entire 'why' clause acts as the object. This flexibility allows you to describe thoughts, motivations, and logic effectively. Remember that in Persian, the verb always comes at the end of the sentence, which can be a challenge for English speakers who are used to 'explain' appearing earlier in the sentence.

باید توضیح دهیم که چرا این تصمیم را گرفتیم.

Finally, pay attention to the stress. In compound verbs like توضیح دادن, the primary stress usually falls on the last syllable of the noun part (توضیح). This helps distinguish the verb from the surrounding words in a fast-moving conversation. Practice saying the noun clearly before adding the light verb to sound more like a native speaker.

In the real world, توضیح دادن is a staple of Persian communication. If you walk into a Persian classroom, you will hear it every few minutes. Teachers use it to introduce new topics, and students use it when they are asked to demonstrate their understanding. It's the sound of education. But it's not just for schools; it's also the language of the news and media. News anchors often say, 'Our correspondent will explain the details of this event,' using the phrase توضیح خواهد داد.

In the News: Used by reporters to provide context for political or social developments.

وزیر امور خارجه در مورد توافق جدید توضیح داد.

The Foreign Minister explained the new agreement.

In social settings, the word takes on a more personal tone. If there's a misunderstanding between friends, one might say, 'Let me explain' (بذار توضیح بدم - bezār tozih bedam). This is a crucial phrase for conflict resolution. In Iranian culture, where 'Ta'arof' (ritual courtesy) and social harmony are important, being able to explain one's intentions clearly is a valued skill. You'll also hear it in marketplaces or shops when a customer asks how a product works.

فروشنده طرز کار دستگاه را توضیح داد.

The seller explained how the device works.

Legal and administrative contexts are also heavy users of this verb. If you are at a police station or a government office in Iran, you might be asked to 'explain the situation' (وضعیت را توضیح دهید). Here, the word is formal and requires a precise response. Similarly, in Persian cinema and TV dramas, characters often demand explanations during climactic scenes, making the word feel dramatic and essential to the plot.

At the Doctor's: Doctors use it to explain a diagnosis or how to take medication.

دکتر نحوه‌ی مصرف دارو را توضیح داد.

Lastly, in the digital age, Persian YouTubers and tech reviewers use توضیح دادن constantly. 'In this video, I will explain how to use this app' is a standard opening. Whether it's high-tech or high-art, if there's something to be understood, توضیح دادن is the verb that gets the job done. It is the bridge between the unknown and the known in the Persian-speaking world.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning توضیح دادن is using the wrong light verb. Because many Persian compound verbs use کردن (kardan - to do), learners often say توضیح کردن. This is incorrect and sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Always remember: you 'give' (دادن) an explanation, you don't 'do' it.

Mistake #1: Wrong Light Verb: Saying 'توضیح کردن' instead of 'توضیح دادن'.

Wrong: من درس را توضیح کردم.
Correct: من درس را توضیح دادم.

Another common error involves the preposition used for the person receiving the explanation. In English, we 'explain TO someone.' In Persian, while you can sometimes use به (to), it is much more common and natural to use برای (for). Using به exclusively can make your Persian sound translated rather than organic.

Mistake #2: Preposition Confusion: Overusing 'به' instead of 'برای'.

Learners also struggle with the placement of the object marker را (rā). Remember that را must follow the specific direct object, not the noun part of the verb. You explain 'the lesson' (درس را), you don't say 'توضیح را دادن' unless you are literally handing a written explanation to someone. This distinction is subtle but important for grammatical accuracy.

Wrong: او توضیح را داستان داد.
Correct: او داستان را توضیح داد.

Finally, don't confuse توضیح دادن with تعریف کردن (ta'rif kardan). While توضیح دادن means to explain a concept or reason, تعریف کردن usually means to tell a story, describe a person, or give a definition. If you are explaining why the car broke down, use توضیح دادن. If you are telling the story of your vacation, use تعریف کردن. Mixing these up can lead to confusion about whether you are providing facts or a narrative.

Mistake #3: Word Choice: Confusing 'توضیح دادن' (explain) with 'تعریف کردن' (tell/define).

While توضیح دادن is the most common way to say 'explain,' Persian offers several alternatives depending on the level of detail or formality required. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation and make your speech sound more sophisticated.

شرح دادن (Sharh Dādan): This is more formal than 'توضیح دادن' and implies a detailed, point-by-point account or exposition. It is often used in literature, law, or academic writing.

او جزئیات ماجرا را شرح داد.

He detailed the events of the incident.

Another useful alternative is روشن کردن (Roshan Kardan), which literally means 'to turn on a light' or 'to make bright.' Figuratively, it means 'to clarify' or 'to shed light on' a confusing matter. It is often used when there has been a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up quickly.

روشن کردن (Roshan Kardan): To clarify or shed light on a murky situation.

باید این مسئله را روشن کنیم.

We must clarify this issue.

For more technical or definitional contexts, you might use تبیین کردن (Tabyin Kardan). This is a very high-level, academic word used in philosophy, science, or high-level political discourse. It means to explicate or formulate a clear explanation of a theory or principle.

Comparison Table

توضیح دادن: Standard 'explain' (Everyday/Formal).
شرح دادن: Detailed exposition (Formal/Literary).
روشن کردن: Clarify/Shed light (Problem-solving).
تبیین کردن: Explicate (Academic/Scientific).

In summary, while توضیح دادن is your 'go-to' verb, being aware of شرح دادن and روشن کردن will allow you to navigate different social and professional environments in Iran with greater ease. Each word carries a slightly different 'flavor' of explanation, from the simple clarification to the deep, academic analysis.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب عالی، لطفاً در مورد این لایحه توضیح بفرمایید."

Neutral

"معلم درس را برای ما توضیح داد."

Informal

"ببین، بذار برات توضیح بدم چی شد."

Child friendly

"مامان، میشه برام توضیح بدی این چیه؟"

Slang

"اینقدر توضیح نده، فهمیدیم چی شد!"

Fun Fact

Many of the most common Persian verbs are 'hybrids' like this, combining an Arabic noun with a Persian light verb. This reflects the deep linguistic integration following the Islamic conquest of Persia.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /toʊ.ziːh dɑː.dæn/

US /toʊ.ziːh dɑː.dæn/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'tozih' (zih) and the first syllable of 'dadan' (da).

Rhymes With

تشریح دادن (Tashrih dadan) ترجیح دادن (Tarjih dadan) تزویج دادن (Tazvij dadan) تلمیح دادن (Talmih dadan) تصحیح کردن (Tashih kardan - similar ending) توضیح (Tozih) rhymes with مریخ (Merrikh - Mars) roughly دادن (Dadan) rhymes with شادن (Shadan) یادن (Yadan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tozih' as 'tosih' (using 's' instead of 'z').
Dropping the final 'h' in 'tozih' completely.
Stressing the 'mi' in 'mi-daham' instead of the noun 'tozih'.
Pronouncing 'dadan' like the English 'daddy'.
Confusing the 'o' in 'tozih' with an 'u' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize once you know the Arabic root and the common verb 'dadan'.

Writing 3/5

The spelling of 'توضیح' with 'ض' and 'ح' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but remembering to use 'dadan' instead of 'kardan' is key.

Listening 2/5

It is a very high-frequency word, so you will hear it often and recognize it quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دادن (To give) درس (Lesson) کلمه (Word) برای (For) را (Object marker)

Learn Next

شرح دادن (To detail) تفسیر کردن (To interpret) توجیه کردن (To justify) فهمیدن (To understand) روشن کردن (To clarify)

Advanced

تبیین (Explication) تأویل (Hermeneutics) روشنگری (Enlightenment) بدیهیات (Self-evident truths) ابهام‌زدایی (De-obfuscation)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'توضیح دادن', only 'دادن' changes (e.g., توضیح می‌دهم, توضیح دادم).

Object Marker 'را'

The specific object comes before 'را' and the whole verb (e.g., کتاب را توضیح داد).

Preposition 'برای'

Used for the beneficiary of the explanation (e.g., برای دوستم توضیح دادم).

Subjunctive with 'باید'

باید توضیح بدهم (I must explain).

Negative Prefix 'نـ'

Attaches to the light verb: توضیح ندادم.

Examples by Level

لطفاً این کلمه را توضیح بده.

Please explain this word.

Imperative form (informal).

من آدرس را توضیح می‌دهم.

I explain the address.

Present continuous tense.

او درس را توضیح داد.

He explained the lesson.

Simple past tense.

می‌توانی توضیح بدهی؟

Can you explain?

Modal verb 'can' + subjunctive.

مادر برای من توضیح داد.

Mother explained to (for) me.

Use of 'برای' for the recipient.

آن‌ها همه چیز را توضیح دادند.

They explained everything.

Plural subject and verb.

من نمی‌توانم توضیح بدهم.

I cannot explain.

Negative modal construction.

لطفاً دوباره توضیح بدهید.

Please explain again.

Formal imperative.

او باید دلیلش را توضیح دهد.

He must explain his reason.

Modal 'must' + subjunctive.

ما دیروز مشکل را توضیح دادیم.

We explained the problem yesterday.

Past tense with time adverb.

آیا می‌خواهی بیشتر توضیح بدهی؟

Do you want to explain more?

Question with 'want'.

او داستان را خیلی خوب توضیح می‌دهد.

She explains the story very well.

Adverbial phrase 'very well'.

من فردا همه چیز را توضیح خواهم داد.

I will explain everything tomorrow.

Future tense.

او برای ما راه را توضیح داد.

He explained the way to us.

Direct object 'راه'.

لطفاً طرز کار این دستگاه را توضیح دهید.

Please explain how this device works.

Complex object 'طرز کار این دستگاه'.

او هیچ وقت هیچ چیز را توضیح نمی‌دهد.

He never explains anything.

Double negative 'هیچ وقت هیچ چیز'.

او توضیح داد که چرا نتوانست بیاید.

He explained why he couldn't come.

Subordinate clause starting with 'که'.

داشتم برایش توضیح می‌دادم که تلفن زنگ زد.

I was explaining to him when the phone rang.

Past continuous tense.

او قبلاً این موضوع را توضیح داده است.

He has already explained this subject.

Present perfect tense.

باید بنشینیم و این مسئله را توضیح دهیم.

We must sit and explain this issue.

Compound sentence with 'and'.

او با حوصله همه چیز را برای من توضیح داد.

He explained everything to me patiently.

Adverbial phrase 'با حوصله'.

ممکن است این قسمت را دوباره توضیح دهید؟

Is it possible for you to explain this part again?

Polite request with 'ممکن است'.

او سعی کرد احساساتش را توضیح دهد.

He tried to explain his feelings.

Verb 'try' + infinitive-like subjunctive.

توضیح دادن این موضوع کار آسانی نیست.

Explaining this subject is not an easy task.

Gerund/Infinitive as subject.

نویسنده در مقدمه، هدف خود را توضیح داده است.

The author has explained their goal in the introduction.

Formal written style.

او به تفصیل در مورد پروژه‌اش توضیح داد.

He explained about his project in detail.

Phrase 'به تفصیل' (in detail).

این نظریه به خوبی پدیده را توضیح می‌دهد.

This theory explains the phenomenon well.

Abstract subject.

او مجبور شد رفتارش را برای مدیر توضیح دهد.

He was forced to explain his behavior to the manager.

Passive-like construction 'مجبور شد'.

گزارش به طور کامل شرایط را توضیح می‌دهد.

The report fully explains the conditions.

Adverbial 'به طور کامل'.

او نتوانست تناقضات حرف‌هایش را توضیح دهد.

He couldn't explain the contradictions in his words.

Complex noun phrase 'تناقضات حرف‌هایش'.

لطفاً قبل از شروع، قوانین را توضیح دهید.

Please explain the rules before starting.

Temporal clause 'قبل از شروع'.

او با استفاده از مثال‌های ساده موضوع را توضیح داد.

He explained the subject using simple examples.

Participial phrase 'با استفاده از'.

او با مهارتی خاص، پیچیدگی‌های سیاسی را توضیح داد.

With a specific skill, he explained the political complexities.

Sophisticated vocabulary.

در این مقاله، علل بحران اقتصادی توضیح داده شده است.

In this article, the causes of the economic crisis have been explained.

Passive present perfect.

او از توضیح دادن در مورد زندگی خصوصی‌اش خودداری کرد.

He refrained from explaining about his private life.

Verb 'خودداری کردن' (to refrain).

لازم است که ابعاد مختلف این طرح به دقت توضیح داده شود.

It is necessary that the different dimensions of this plan be explained carefully.

Subjunctive passive.

او سعی داشت با منطق، موضع خود را توضیح دهد.

He was trying to explain his position with logic.

Past continuous 'سعی داشت'.

توضیح دادن چنین مفاهیم انتزاعی‌ای واقعاً دشوار است.

Explaining such abstract concepts is truly difficult.

Ezafe with plural abstract nouns.

او در کتابش، فلسفه‌ی وجودی انسان را توضیح می‌دهد.

In his book, he explains the existential philosophy of man.

Philosophical context.

او بدون هیچ ابهامی، تمام مراحل را توضیح داد.

Without any ambiguity, he explained all the stages.

Prepositional phrase 'بدون هیچ ابهامی'.

متفکران معاصر در پی تبیین و توضیح پارادایم‌های نوین هستند.

Contemporary thinkers are seeking to explicate and explain new paradigms.

Academic register.

او با بیانی شیوا، دقایق عرفانی را توضیح داد.

With eloquent speech, he explained the mystical subtleties.

Literary/Mystical vocabulary.

در این رساله، مبانی کلامی به تفصیل توضیح داده شده است.

In this treatise, the theological foundations have been explained in detail.

Theological context.

او از هرگونه توضیح اضافی در مورد پرونده امتناع ورزید.

He refused any additional explanation regarding the case.

Formal verb 'امتناع ورزیدن'.

توضیح دادن چرایی این رخداد تاریخی، نیازمند بررسی‌های ژرف است.

Explaining the 'why' of this historical event requires deep investigations.

Nominalized 'why' (چرایی).

او با ظرافت تمام، تفاوت‌های ظریف میان این دو واژه را توضیح داد.

With total finesse, he explained the subtle differences between these two words.

Nuanced description.

گزارش مذکور، زوایای پنهان این ماجرا را به روشنی توضیح می‌دهد.

The aforementioned report clearly explains the hidden angles of this incident.

Metaphorical 'hidden angles'.

او در سخنرانی‌اش، ضرورت تغییر در ساختارها را توضیح داد.

In his speech, he explained the necessity of change in structures.

Political/Sociological context.

Common Collocations

به تفصیل توضیح دادن

واضح توضیح دادن

دلیل را توضیح دادن

مشکل را توضیح دادن

با مثال توضیح دادن

کامل توضیح دادن

موضوع را توضیح دادن

شرایط را توضیح دادن

به سادگی توضیح دادن

توضیح خواستن

Common Phrases

بذار توضیح بدم

نیاز به توضیح ندارد

توضیح مختصری دادن

توضیح قانع‌کننده

توضیح المسائل

بدون هیچ توضیحی

در مقام توضیح

توضیح تکمیلی

قابل توضیح

توضیح واضحات

Often Confused With

توضیح دادن vs تعریف کردن

Means 'to tell a story' or 'to define', whereas 'tozih dādan' is to explain a reason or concept.

توضیح دادن vs توصیف کردن

Means 'to describe' (physical appearance or qualities), not necessarily to explain logic.

توضیح دادن vs توجیه کردن

Specifically means 'to justify' or 'to make excuses'.

Idioms & Expressions

"آسمان و ریسمان را به هم بافتن"

To give a long, nonsensical explanation or excuse.

برای توجیه دیر کردنش آسمان و ریسمان را به هم بافت.

Informal

"صغری کبری چیدن"

To go through a long-winded logical explanation to reach a conclusion.

اینقدر صغری کبری نچین، اصل مطلب رو بگو.

Informal

"روده درازی کردن"

To talk excessively while explaining something.

ببخشید روده درازی کردم، منظورم این بود که...

Informal

"لب مطلب را گفتن"

To explain the core essence of something briefly.

او در دو جمله لب مطلب را توضیح داد.

Neutral

"به گوش کسی خواندن"

To repeatedly explain or suggest something to someone to influence them.

اینقدر به گوشش خواندند تا قبول کرد.

Informal

"روشن‌گری کردن"

To enlighten or provide a deep explanation that clears up public confusion.

او در مورد فساد مالی روشن‌گری کرد.

Formal

"حرف تو دهن کسی گذاشتن"

To explain something in a way that makes someone say what you want them to say.

نمی‌خوام حرف تو دهنت بذارم، خودت توضیح بده.

Informal

"پرده از رازی برداشتن"

To explain or reveal a secret.

او بالاخره پرده از راز آن شب برداشت.

Literary

"سر کلاف را پیدا کردن"

To find the starting point of an explanation for a complex problem.

باید سر کلاف را پیدا کنیم تا بتوانیم مشکل را توضیح دهیم.

Informal

"موی را از ماست کشیدن"

To explain or analyze something with extreme detail and precision.

او در گزارش خود مو را از ماست کشیده بود.

Informal

Easily Confused

توضیح دادن vs توضیح vs. توصیف

Both involve giving details.

Tozih is for logic/reasons; Tosif is for physical/sensory descriptions.

او اتاق را توصیف کرد (He described the room). او مشکل را توضیح داد (He explained the problem).

توضیح دادن vs توضیح vs. تعریف

Both involve talking about something.

Ta'rif is for narratives or formal definitions; Tozih is for clarification.

او فیلم را تعریف کرد (He told the story of the movie). او علت فیلم‌برداری را توضیح داد (He explained the reason for filming).

توضیح دادن vs توضیح vs. تفسیر

Both involve explaining meaning.

Tafsir is specifically for interpretation (texts, dreams, laws).

او قرآن را تفسیر کرد (He interpreted the Quran).

توضیح دادن vs توضیح vs. گزارش

Both involve providing information.

Gozāresh is 'to report' (stating facts); Tozih is 'to explain' (giving reasons).

او اتفاقات را گزارش داد (He reported the events).

توضیح دادن vs توضیح vs. ابراز

Both involve expressing something.

Ebrāz is 'to express' (feelings, opinions); Tozih is 'to explain'.

او عشقش را ابراز کرد (He expressed his love).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] را توضیح بده.

درس را توضیح بده.

می‌توانم [Noun] را توضیح بدهم.

می‌توانم آدرس را توضیح بدهم.

او توضیح داد که [Clause].

او توضیح داد که چرا دیر آمد.

باید در مورد [Noun] توضیح داده شود.

باید در مورد این مشکل توضیح داده شود.

او از توضیح دادن در مورد [Noun] امتناع کرد.

او از توضیح دادن در مورد گذشته‌اش امتناع کرد.

تبیین و توضیح [Abstract Noun] امری دشوار است.

تبیین و توضیح هستی‌شناسی امری دشوار است.

Any

لطفاً بیشتر توضیح بدهید.

Any

او به خوبی توضیح می‌دهد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Persian.

Common Mistakes

توضیح کردن → توضیح دادن
Persian compound verbs use specific light verbs. 'Tozih' always pairs with 'dadan'.
توضیح به من → توضیح برای من
While 'be' is understood, 'barāye' is the standard preposition for the recipient of an explanation.
من توضیح را دادم → من درس را توضیح دادم
The object marker 'ra' follows the thing being explained, not the word 'tozih' itself.
توضیح دادن یک داستان → تعریف کردن یک داستان
Use 'ta'rif kardan' for stories/narratives and 'tozih dādan' for facts/logic.
توضیح دادن یک شخص → توصیف کردن یک شخص
Use 'tosif kardan' to describe a person's appearance or character.

Tips

Light Verb Mastery

Remember that 'dadan' is the engine of this verb. Practice its present stem 'deh' and past stem 'dād' separately to build speed.

Synonym Nuance

Use 'sharh dādan' when you want to sound more educated or when you are giving a very long explanation.

Politeness

In Iran, asking 'می‌شه توضیح بدین؟' (Can you explain?) is much more polite than just saying 'توضیح بده' (Explain!).

Key Markers

When you hear 'یعنی...' (meaning...), it's a sign that a 'tozih' is about to follow.

Spelling Tip

The letter 'ض' (zad) is used in 'توضیح'. Don't confuse it with 'ز' or 'ذ'.

Context Matters

In Persian culture, giving a 'tozih' is seen as a sign of respect and transparency.

Association

Associate 'Tozih' with 'Total'—you are giving the 'total' picture of a situation.

Daily Use

Every time you learn a new Persian word, ask a friend: 'این کلمه رو توضیح میدی؟'

Passive Voice

Learn 'توضیح داده شده است' (It has been explained) for academic writing.

Don't Overdo It

Sometimes 'گفتن' (saying) is enough. Only use 'tozih' when clarity is the goal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tozih' as 'To-See'. When you explain something, you help someone 'to see' the truth. You 'give' (dadan) them the ability 'to see' (tozih).

Visual Association

Imagine a dark room where someone hands you a flashlight. The flashlight is the 'tozih' (explanation) and the act of handing it is 'dadan' (giving).

Word Web

Clear Give Teacher Lesson Reason Logic Clarify Detail

Challenge

Try to explain your favorite hobby in Persian using 'توضیح دادن' at least three times in one minute.

Word Origin

The word 'توضیح' (tawdih) is an Arabic verbal noun from the root W-D-H (و-ض-ح), which relates to being clear, evident, or manifest. The verb 'دادن' (dadan) is a pure Persian (Indo-European) root meaning 'to give'.

Original meaning: The original Arabic meaning refers to making something clear or manifest. In Persian, it was adopted as a noun and combined with 'dadan' to create the functional verb.

Afro-Asiatic (Arabic) + Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

When asking for an explanation in a formal setting, always use 'bedehid' (plural) to avoid sounding demanding or rude.

English speakers often use 'explain' for both simple facts and long stories. In Persian, be careful to use 'ta'rif kardan' for stories and 'tozih dādan' for facts/logic.

توضیح المسائل (The most famous book of religious explanations in Iran). TV shows like 'به توان هفت' often feature experts explaining complex topics. Persian poetry often uses 'sharh' (a synonym) to explain the mysteries of love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

استاد توضیح داد
توضیح درس
نیاز به توضیح بیشتر
توضیح کلمه

Business

توضیح پروژه
توضیح در مورد قرارداد
توضیح دلایل سود
توضیح استراتژی

Legal

توضیح اتهام
توضیح شاهد
توضیح در دادگاه
ارائه توضیحات

Daily Life

توضیح آدرس
توضیح علت تاخیر
توضیح دستور پخت
توضیح ماجرا

Technology

توضیح نرم‌افزار
توضیح تنظیمات
توضیح نحوه استفاده
توضیح خطا

Conversation Starters

"می‌توانی در مورد شغلت برای من توضیح بدهی؟"

"لطفاً توضیح بده چطور این غذا را درست کردی."

"می‌شود در مورد فرهنگ ایران بیشتر توضیح بدهید؟"

"چرا این تصمیم را گرفتی؟ می‌توانی توضیح بدهی؟"

"می‌توانی معنی این شعر را برای من توضیح بدهی؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه چیزی را برای کسی توضیح دادی؟ آیا آن‌ها متوجه شدند؟

یک مفهوم سخت را که اخیراً یاد گرفته‌ای به زبان ساده توضیح بده.

اگر بخواهی شهر خودت را برای یک توریست توضیح بدهی، چه می‌گویی؟

توضیح بده چرا یادگیری زبان فارسی برایت مهم است.

یک خاطره را توضیح بده که در آن یک سوءتفاهم بزرگ پیش آمد.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'توضیح کردن' is grammatically incorrect in modern Persian. You must always use 'توضیح دادن'. Using 'kardan' will make you sound like a non-native speaker.

'توضیح' is singular (an explanation), while 'توضیحات' is plural (explanations or details). In formal contexts, 'توضیحات' is often used to mean 'the full set of details' about a matter.

You say 'برای من توضیح بده' (Barāye man tozih bedeh). While 'به من' is sometimes used, 'برای من' is more natural.

No, for jokes or stories, use 'تعریف کردن' (Ta'rif kardan). 'توضیح دادن' would only be used if the joke was confusing and you had to explain the punchline.

Yes, but it is a soft 'h'. In rapid speech, it might be very faint, but in formal speech, it should be audible.

There isn't a single word, but 'پیچیده کردن' (to complicate) or 'پنهان کردن' (to hide) are often used as functional opposites.

Yes, 'توضیح داده شدن' (to be explained). For example: 'مسئله توضیح داده شد' (The issue was explained).

Yes, 'توضیح خواستن' (to demand an explanation) is very common.

It is an A1 word because it is essential for basic communication and classroom interaction.

It is usually spelled 'tozih' or 'towzih'.