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A2 verb #2,800 mais comum 9 min de leitura

دیر کردن

dir kardan
At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic use of 'دیر کردن' (dir kardan). You learn it as a simple phrase to apologize or describe a basic state. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex tenses. You mainly use the past tense 'دیر کردم' (I was late) and the present 'دیر می‌کنم' (I am late). The goal is to recognize the word 'دیر' (late) and understand that adding 'کردن' makes it an action. You might use it in simple sentences like 'I am late for school' or 'Why are you late?'. It's one of the essential 'survival' verbs for navigating appointments and meetings. Learners should also learn the opposite word 'زود' (zud - early) to provide context.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'دیر کردن' in more varied contexts and with different subjects. You learn to conjugate it for 'we', 'you plural', and 'they'. You also start to distinguish between 'دیر کردن' (the person is late) and 'دیر شدن' (the time is late). A2 learners should be able to give a simple reason for being late, such as 'The bus was late' or 'I slept late'. You also learn the negative form 'دیر نکردن' (to not be late) and the imperative 'دیر نکن' (don't be late). This level focuses on daily life interactions, like meeting a friend or going to a doctor's appointment, where punctuality is discussed.
At the B1 level, you use 'دیر کردن' in complex sentences involving conjunctions like 'if', 'because', and 'when'. For example, 'If I am late, my boss will be angry' (Agar dir konam, ra'isam asabani mishavad). You also start using the subjunctive mood (e.g., 'I don't want to be late' - Nemikhaham dir bokonam). B1 learners can describe the consequences of being late and use the verb in more professional or semi-formal situations. You also become more comfortable with the colloquial shortening of the verb in spoken Persian and can understand it when spoken at a natural speed in movies or podcasts.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuances between 'دیر کردن' and its formal synonym 'تاخیر داشتن'. You can use 'دیر کردن' in a wider range of tenses, including the past continuous (I was being late/repeatedly late) and the future. You can discuss the concept of punctuality in different cultures and express opinions about it. B2 learners can also use the verb in more idiomatic ways or understand it in literature. You are able to handle situations where you need to negotiate a new time because you are late, using the verb fluently without thinking about the conjugation of the compound parts.
At the C1 level, 'دیر کردن' is used with total fluency, including in metaphorical and abstract contexts. You might use it to describe a late realization or a delayed development in a story or a political situation. You understand the social implications of using this verb versus more formal alternatives in high-stakes environments. C1 learners can use the verb in complex grammatical structures, such as passive-like constructions or within complex relative clauses. You also recognize when the verb is used ironically or with specific cultural subtexts, such as 'Persian time' jokes.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'دیر کردن' and all its related forms. You can appreciate its use in classical and modern Persian poetry and high literature, where 'lateness' might be a theme for lost love or missed destiny. You can switch between 'دیر کردن', 'تاخیر داشتن', and other sophisticated synonyms like 'تعلل ورزیدن' (to procrastinate/dally) depending on the exact register required. You can participate in deep cultural discussions about the Iranian perception of time and use the verb to express subtle shades of meaning that only a near-native speaker would grasp.
Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

دیر کردن em 30 segundos

  • Common Persian verb for being late.
  • Compound verb: Dir (late) + Kardan (to do).
  • Essential for apologies and schedules.
  • Used for people, transport, and deadlines.

The Persian verb دیر کردن (dir kardan) is a fundamental compound verb used to express the concept of being late, delaying an action, or arriving after the scheduled or expected time. In the Persian linguistic landscape, time is often perceived through the lens of social interaction, and dir kardan carries both the literal meaning of chronological delay and the social weight of keeping others waiting. The word دیر (dir) functions as the adjective or adverb meaning 'late,' while کردن (kardan) is the light verb 'to do' or 'to make.' Together, they form a semantic unit that is indispensable for daily communication, ranging from casual apologies to formal explanations in professional settings.

Literal Translation
To do late / To make late.
Grammatical Category
Compound Verb (Fe'l-e Morakkab).
Transitivity
Intransitive (usually refers to the subject's own lateness).

ببخشید که دیر کردم، ترافیک خیلی سنگین بود.

— Sorry I'm late; the traffic was very heavy.

Understanding the nuance of dir kardan requires looking at its counterpart, dir shodan. While dir kardan focuses on the person's action (I was late), dir shodan refers to the time itself becoming late (It is getting late). This distinction is crucial for learners at the A2 level. When you say 'Man dir kardam,' you are taking responsibility for the delay. This verb is used in almost every context where a deadline is missed or an appointment is not met on time. In Persian culture, where social gatherings often have a flexible start time, using this verb correctly helps navigate the delicate balance between 'Persian time' and strict punctuality.

چرا همیشه دیر می‌کنی؟

— Why are you always late?
Synonym in Formal Contexts
تاخیر داشتن (Ta'khir dashtan)
Opposite Action
زود آمدن (Zud amadan - To come early)

The versatility of دیر کردن extends to non-human subjects in metaphorical speech, though it is primarily used for people. For instance, a train or a bus 'dir mikonad' (is late). It is the go-to verb for students arriving at class, employees reaching the office, or friends meeting at a cafe. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern for kardan, making it one of the first compound verbs a student masters. By using dir kardan, you are not just describing a state of being; you are describing an event that has occurred relative to a point in time.

اگر دیر کنیم، به قطار نمی‌رسیم.

— If we are late, we won't catch the train.

Using دیر کردن correctly involves understanding the mechanics of compound verbs in Persian. A compound verb consists of a non-verbal element (in this case, the adverb dir) and a light verb (kardan). Only the light verb is conjugated for person, number, and tense. The word dir remains static. This structure is the backbone of the Persian verbal system, and mastering it with a common verb like 'to be late' provides a template for thousands of other verbs.

Conjugation Patterns

Let's look at the present simple/habitual tense, which uses the prefix می- (mi-) and the present stem of kardan, which is کن (kon).

  • I am late: من دیر می‌کنم (Man dir mi-konam)
  • You are late: تو دیر می‌کنی (To dir mi-koni)
  • He/She is late: او دیر می‌کند (U dir mi-konad)
  • We are late: ما دیر می‌کنیم (Ma dir mi-konim)
  • You (plural/formal) are late: شما دیر می‌کنید (Shoma dir mi-konid)
  • They are late: آن‌ها دیر می‌کنند (Anha dir mi-konand)

In the past tense, we use the past stem کرد (kard). This is the form you will use most often when apologizing for a delay that has already happened. For example, Dir kardam (I was late). Note that in Persian, the subject pronoun (Man, To, etc.) is often dropped because the verb ending already indicates who is performing the action.

The Difference Between 'Dir Kardan' and 'Dir Shodan'

This is a common point of confusion for A2 learners. دیر کردن is an action performed by a subject. دیر شدن is an impersonal state. If you say Dir shod, you mean 'It became late' or 'Time has run out.' If you say Dir kardam, you mean 'I arrived late.' Use dir kardan when you are the one who is behind schedule.

Example: دیر نکن! (Dir nakon!) — Don't be late! (Imperative)

In the imperative mood, you use the prefix بـ (be-) with the present stem, but for kardan, the 'be' is often omitted in compound verbs. So, 'Be late' (though rarely said as a command) would be dir bokon, but the negative 'Don't be late' is very common: dir nakon.

Sentence Placement

The verb always comes at the end of the sentence in standard Persian. Any reasons for being late (prepositional phrases) or adverbs of frequency (like 'always' or 'often') come before the verb. For example: Man hamishe dir mikonam (I always am late). If you want to specify what you are late for, you often use the preposition برای (baraye - for) or simply state the event.

The phrase دیر کردن is ubiquitous in Iranian daily life. You will encounter it in diverse settings, from the chaotic streets of Tehran to the quiet halls of a university. Understanding where and how it is used will help you grasp the social etiquette of punctuality in the Persian-speaking world.

1. Public Transport and Traffic

In major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, or Isfahan, traffic is a constant factor. You will frequently hear people on their mobile phones saying, 'Tarafik sangine, ehtemalan dir mikonam' (Traffic is heavy, I'll probably be late). Bus drivers or taxi passengers might also use it to describe the delay of a vehicle. In this context, it is an explanation, an excuse, and a reality of urban life.

2. Workplace and Professional Environments

In a professional setting, dir kardan is used to report attendance. A manager might ask, 'Chera emruz dir kardi?' (Why were you late today?). While the more formal ta'khir dashtan is used in official letters or formal announcements, dir kardan remains the standard for spoken interaction among colleagues.

3. Social Gatherings and 'Mehmani'

Iranian hospitality is famous, and social events (Mehmanis) often have a 'soft' start time. However, if someone is significantly later than the rest of the group, they might enter saying, 'Bebakhshid dir kardim' (Sorry we are late). Interestingly, you might hear the host respond with 'Dir nashode ke!' (It's not late yet!), using the 'shodan' version to make the guest feel comfortable—a classic example of Ta'arof.

4. Educational Settings

Students arriving after the professor has started the lecture will often use this verb. In schools, dir kardan can lead to 'enzebat' (discipline) issues. A teacher might say, 'Har kas dir bokone, nemitune biyad tu' (Anyone who is late cannot come in).

5. Movies and TV Series

In Iranian cinema, particularly in dramas or comedies involving missed opportunities or romantic rendezvous, dir kardan is a common plot device. You'll hear characters anxiously checking their watches and saying, 'Dir kard, chera nayamad?' (He/She is late, why didn't they come?).

Even for intermediate learners, دیر کردن can be tricky due to its similarity with other time-related expressions. Avoiding these five common pitfalls will make your Persian sound much more natural and accurate.

1. Confusing 'Dir Kardan' with 'Dir Shodan'

As mentioned before, this is the #1 mistake.
❌ Incorrect: Sa'at 8 shod, man dir shodam. (The time became 8, I became late - sounds like you physically turned into the concept of lateness).
✅ Correct: Sa'at 8 shod, man dir kardam. (I am late).
Use dir shodan for the situation: Dir shod, bayad berim! (It's late, we must go!).

2. Using the Wrong Preposition

Learners often try to translate 'late for' literally. While baraye (for) is sometimes used, often no preposition is needed, or the verb be (to) is used with the destination.
❌ Incorrect: Man dir kardam baraye kelas.
✅ Better: Man be kelas dir residam (I arrived late to class) or simply Baraye kelas dir kardam.

3. Forgetting the 'Kardan' in Compound Verbs

Because dir can be an adverb, some learners forget to add the verb kardan at the end.
❌ Incorrect: Man hamishe dir. (I always late).
✅ Correct: Man hamishe dir mikonam.

4. Misplacing the Negative Prefix 'Na-'

In compound verbs, the negative prefix na- attaches to the light verb, not the noun/adverb part.
❌ Incorrect: Nadir kardam.
✅ Correct: Dir nakardam.

5. Overusing it in Formal Writing

While dir kardan is perfect for speech, in a formal report or a letter to a superior, it can sound a bit too casual. In these cases, use تاخیر داشتن (ta'khir dashtan).
Casual: Bebakhshid dir kardam.
Formal: Az babat-e ta'khir-e khod ozrkhahi mikonam (I apologize for my delay).

To truly master the concept of lateness in Persian, you should be familiar with the synonyms and related terms that provide more specific meaning or different levels of formality than دیر کردن.

1. تاخیر داشتن (Ta'khir Dashtan)

This is the formal equivalent of dir kardan. It literally means 'to have a delay.' You will see this on airport screens (Ta'khir) or hear it in news broadcasts. If you are writing an email to a professor, this is the verb to use.

2. عقب افتادن (Aqab Oftadan)

This means 'to fall behind.' While dir kardan refers to a point in time (arriving late), aqab oftadan refers to a process or a schedule. For example, 'I fell behind in my studies' (Az dars-ham aqab oftadam). It implies a loss of pace rather than just a late arrival.

3. معطل شدن (Mo'attal Shodan)

This means 'to be kept waiting' or 'to be delayed by something.' It focuses on the cause of the lateness being external. If you are late because the bank took too long, you might say, 'Dar bank mo'attal shodam.' It explains why you dir kardi.

4. لنگ کردن (Lang Kardan)

This is a more colloquial and slightly negative term. It means to stall or to keep someone else waiting in a way that causes a problem. 'Ma ro lang nakon' means 'Don't keep us hanging/waiting.'

5. دیر رسیدن (Dir Residan)

This is very close to dir kardan, but it specifically emphasizes the 'arrival' (residan). Dir kardam means 'I was late' (general), while Dir residam means 'I arrived late.' In many contexts, they are interchangeable.

Comparison
Dir Kardan: General, most common, focus on the person.
Ta'khir Dashtan: Formal, technical, focus on the delay itself.
Aqab Oftadan: Focus on falling behind a schedule or progress.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

""

Gíria

""

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Exemplos por nível

1

من دیر کردم.

I was late.

Simple past tense, 1st person singular.

2

تو دیر کردی.

You were late.

Simple past tense, 2nd person singular.

3

او همیشه دیر می‌کند.

He/She is always late.

Present habitual tense with 'always'.

4

ببخشید، دیر کردم.

Sorry, I was late.

Common polite phrase.

5

چرا دیر کردی؟

Why were you late?

Interrogative sentence.

6

سارا دیر کرد.

Sara was late.

Proper noun as subject.

7

ما دیر کردیم.

We were late.

1st person plural.

8

دیر نکن!

Don't be late!

Negative imperative.

1

اتوبوس دیر کرد و من به کلاس نرسیدم.

The bus was late and I didn't reach the class.

Compound sentence with 'and'.

2

اگر دیر کنی، فیلم شروع می‌شود.

If you are late, the movie will start.

Conditional sentence (Type 1).

3

آن‌ها هیچ‌وقت دیر نمی‌کنند.

They are never late.

Negative habitual with 'never'.

4

امروز صبح کمی دیر کردم.

I was a little late this morning.

Use of 'kami' (a little) as a modifier.

5

شما چرا دیر کردید؟

Why were you (plural/formal) late?

Formal 2nd person plural.

6

من معمولاً دیر نمی‌کنم.

I usually am not late.

Adverb 'ma'mulan' (usually).

7

دوستم برای شام دیر کرد.

My friend was late for dinner.

Preposition 'baraye' (for).

8

نباید دیر کنیم، جلسه مهم است.

We shouldn't be late; the meeting is important.

Modal verb 'nabayad' (shouldn't).

1

فکر نمی‌کردم اینقدر دیر کنی.

I didn't think you would be this late.

Subordinate clause with 'fekr kardan'.

2

او به خاطر ترافیک نیم ساعت دیر کرد.

He was half an hour late because of traffic.

Reasoning with 'be khatere'.

3

امیدوارم فردا دیر نکنی.

I hope you won't be late tomorrow.

Subjunctive mood after 'omidvaram'.

4

هر وقت دیر می‌کنی، من نگران می‌شوم.

Whenever you are late, I get worried.

Relative clause with 'har vaqt'.

5

ببخشید که دیر کردیم، راه را گم کرده بودیم.

Sorry we were late; we had lost the way.

Past perfect explanation.

6

او قول داد که دیگر دیر نکند.

He promised not to be late anymore.

Reported speech/promise.

7

اگر دوباره دیر کنی، جریمه می‌شوی.

If you are late again, you will be fined.

Conditional with future consequence.

8

چرا همیشه وقتی من عجله دارم، تو دیر می‌کنی؟

Why are you always late when I'm in a hurry?

Complex interrogative with 'vaqti'.

1

دیر کردن در این شرکت اصلاً پذیرفته نیست.

Being late is not accepted at all in this company.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive.

2

با اینکه دیر کرده بود، خیلی آرام راه می‌رفت.

Even though he was late, he was walking very slowly.

Concessive clause with 'ba inke'.

3

او مدعی شد که قطار دیر کرده است.

He claimed that the train had been late.

Reported speech with 'modda'i shodan'.

4

دیر کردن‌های مداوم او باعث اخراجش شد.

His constant lateness caused his dismissal.

Pluralized infinitive as a noun.

5

احتمال دارد که به خاطر برف، هواپیما دیر کند.

It's likely that the plane will be late due to snow.

Expression of probability 'ehtemal darad'.

6

او ترجیح می‌دهد زود برسد تا اینکه دیر کند.

He prefers to arrive early rather than be late.

Preference structure 'tarjih midahad... ta inke'.

7

هیچ عذری برای دیر کردن پذیرفته نمی‌شود.

No excuse for being late is accepted.

Passive voice construction.

8

او همیشه طوری برنامه‌ریزی می‌کند که دیر نکند.

He always plans in a way that he won't be late.

Result clause with 'tori... ke'.

1

دیر کردن در فرهنگ‌های مختلف معانی متفاوتی دارد.

Being late has different meanings in different cultures.

Abstract subject in a sociological context.

2

او با دیر کردنش، بی‌احترامی خود را به جمع نشان داد.

By being late, he showed his disrespect to the group.

Using the verb to imply intent or character.

3

گویی تقدیر چنین بود که او در آن روز سرنوشت‌ساز دیر کند.

It was as if fate intended for him to be late on that fateful day.

Literary style with 'gu'i' (as if).

4

دیر کردن در پرداخت اقساط، عواقب مالی سنگینی دارد.

Being late in paying installments has heavy financial consequences.

Technical/Financial context.

5

او از اینکه دیر کرده بود، به شدت مضطرب به نظر می‌رسید.

He seemed extremely anxious because he was late.

Causal clause with 'az inke'.

6

نباید اجازه دهیم که ترس از شکست باعث دیر کردن در تصمیم‌گیری شود.

We shouldn't let the fear of failure cause a delay in decision-making.

Metaphorical use in management/psychology.

7

او با مهارتی خاص، دیر کردنش را به گردن ترافیک انداخت.

With a certain skill, he blamed his lateness on the traffic.

Idiomatic expression 'be gardan andakhtan'.

8

هرگونه دیر کردن در ارسال مدارک، باعث ابطال درخواست می‌شود.

Any delay in sending documents results in the cancellation of the request.

Legal/Administrative register.

1

دیر کردن در ساحتِ عشق، گاه به معنایِ از دست دادنِ ابدی است.

Being late in the realm of love sometimes means eternal loss.

Highly poetic/philosophical register.

2

فلسفه‌یِ زمان در شرق، دیر کردن را گاه فضیلتی برمی‌شمارد.

The philosophy of time in the East sometimes considers being late a virtue.

Academic/Philosophical discourse.

3

او چنان در دیر کردن مداومت ورزید که گویی آن را به بخشی از هویتش بدل کرده است.

He persisted in being late so much that it's as if he turned it into a part of his identity.

Complex literary structure with 'chonan... ke'.

4

تعلل و دیر کردن در اصلاحات ساختاری، فروپاشی نظام را تسریع کرد.

Procrastination and delay in structural reforms accelerated the system's collapse.

Political science terminology.

5

در متون کلاسیک، دیر کردنِ معشوق، مضمونی برایِ سوز و گدازِ عاشق است.

In classical texts, the beloved's lateness is a theme for the lover's burning longing.

Literary criticism context.

6

او با دیر کردنی مصلحتی، سعی در تغییرِ موازنه‌یِ قدرت در مذاکرات داشت.

With a strategic delay, he tried to change the balance of power in the negotiations.

Diplomatic/Strategic context.

7

دیر کردن در پاسخ به این بحران، می‌تواند فاجعه‌بار باشد.

A delay in responding to this crisis could be catastrophic.

High-level policy warning.

8

ما در عصری زندگی می‌کنیم که حتی یک ثانیه دیر کردن، می‌تواند به معنایِ شکست باشد.

We live in an era where even being one second late can mean failure.

Modern sociological observation.

Colocações comuns

همیشه دیر کردن
خیلی دیر کردن
کمی دیر کردن
برای کلاس دیر کردن
سر کار دیر کردن
به خاطر ترافیک دیر کردن
دوباره دیر کردن
عمدی دیر کردن
هرگز دیر نکردن
معمولاً دیر کردن

Frases Comuns

ببخشید دیر کردم

دیر نکنی ها!

چرا دیر کردی؟

باز هم دیر کرد

دیر کردن بهتر از هرگز نرسیدن است

عادت به دیر کردن

دیر کردنِ قطار

دیر کردنِ اتوبوس

دیر کردن در پرداخت

دیر کردن در جواب

Frequentemente confundido com

دیر کردن vs دیر شدن

دیر کردن vs دیر رسیدن

دیر کردن vs تاخیر داشتن

Expressões idiomáticas

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Fácil de confundir

دیر کردن vs

دیر کردن vs

دیر کردن vs

دیر کردن vs

دیر کردن vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

nuance

It implies a personal action or responsibility.

frequency

Extremely high in daily speech.

colloquialism

Commonly used in all dialects.

Erros comuns
  • Saying 'Man dir shodam' instead of 'Man dir kardam'.
  • Putting the negative 'na' on 'dir' (nadir kardam).
  • Forgetting the 'kardan' entirely.
  • Using 'dir kardan' in a very formal letter to a CEO.
  • Confusing 'dir' (late) with 'dur' (far).

Dicas

Conjugation

Only conjugate the 'kardan' part. 'Dir' never changes.

Apologizing

Always follow 'dir kardam' with a reason to be polite.

Opposites

Learn 'zud' (early) at the same time as 'dir'.

Vowel Sound

The 'i' in 'dir' is a long 'ee' sound like in 'see'.

Compound Verbs

Don't put a space between 'mi' and 'konam' in modern Persian (می‌کنم).

Punctuality

Be aware that 'on time' varies by context in Iran.

Fast Speech

In fast speech, 'dir kardam' might sound like 'dir-kard-am'.

Negation

The 'na' goes before 'konam': 'dir na-konam'.

Proverbs

Remember 'Better late than never' exists in Persian too.

Workplace

In offices, 'dir kardan' is often tracked, so use it carefully!

Memorize

Associação visual

Imagine a clock with legs running away from you.

Origem da palavra

Contexto cultural

If you are late, the host will likely use Ta'arof to say 'It's no problem' even if it was.

Always use 'Ta'khir dashtan' in written business communication.

Being 'on time' for a wedding usually means arriving 2 hours after the time on the card.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"ببخشید، آیا من دیر کردم؟ (Sorry, am I late?)"

"چرا اتوبوس همیشه دیر می‌کند؟ (Why is the bus always late?)"

"اگر دیر کنیم، چه اتفاقی می‌افتد؟ (If we are late, what happens?)"

"تو معمولاً دیر می‌کنی یا زود می‌آیی؟ (Do you usually come late or early?)"

"بدترین باری که دیر کردی کی بود؟ (When was the worst time you were late?)"

Temas para diário

امروز چرا دیر کردم؟ (Why was I late today?)

احساس من وقتی کسی دیر می‌کند چیست؟ (How do I feel when someone is late?)

یک خاطره از زمانی که دیر کردی بنویس. (Write a memory of a time you were late.)

آیا دیر کردن در فرهنگ تو بد است؟ (Is being late bad in your culture?)

چگونه می‌توانم دیگر دیر نکنم؟ (How can I stop being late?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

'Dir kardan' is used when a person is late (e.g., I am late). 'Dir shodan' is used when the time itself is late (e.g., It is getting late).

It is neutral to informal. For very formal situations, use 'ta'khir dashtan'.

You say 'Dir nakon'.

Yes, you can say 'Ghatar dir kard', though 'Ghatar ta'khir dasht' is also common.

The past tense is 'dir kardam', 'dir kardi', 'dir kard', etc.

Bebakhshid (ke) dir kardam.

Yes, in the context of time. It can also mean 'long ago' in some specific literary contexts, but 'late' is the primary meaning.

Zud amadan (to come early) or be-moqe' residan (to arrive on time).

Usually, yes, to form the verb. You can also use 'residan' (to arrive).

Yes, you can say 'Dar ersal-e proje dir kardam' (I was late in sending the project).

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