تربیت کردن

The Persian compound verb تربیت کردن (tarbiat kardan) is a fundamental concept in Iranian culture, representing much more than the simple act of 'raising' a child. While in English we might distinguish between 'parenting,' 'schooling,' and 'disciplining,' the Persian concept of tarbiat bundles these into a single, holistic process of character development. It is derived from the Arabic root meaning to grow, increase, or nourish. When a Persian speaker uses this word, they are referring to the intentional effort to instill values, manners, and social ethics into a younger person. It is not merely about survival or physical growth; it is about the refinement of the soul and the mind. In the Iranian household, tarbiat is considered the primary responsibility of the parents, even above providing financial stability. A child who is well-behaved, polite, and respectful is described as با تربیت (ba-tarbiat), which is one of the highest compliments a family can receive. Conversely, بی تربیت (bi-tarbiat) is a common and sharp insult directed at someone who lacks manners or social grace, regardless of their age. This verb is used in formal educational contexts, such as the Ministry of Education (Vezarat-e Amoozesh va Parvaresh), where parvaresh acts as a synonym for the moral upbringing part of tarbiat. You will hear this word in parenting discussions, school meetings, and even in religious sermons, as it relates to the spiritual guidance of the youth. It is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes an object—the person being raised. In modern Persian, the focus of tarbiat kardan has shifted slightly from strict traditional discipline to include psychological well-being and emotional intelligence, reflecting global trends in child development. However, the core expectation of producing a 'saleh' (righteous) and 'moadab' (polite) individual remains constant across generations.

Cultural Weight

In Persian society, the quality of a person's tarbiat is seen as a reflection of their entire family's honor and social standing.

Linguistic Root

The word comes from the Arabic 'R-B-W' (to increase/grow), emphasizing the nurturing aspect of education.

Social Context

It is used to describe the lifelong process of learning how to behave within the complex social hierarchy of Iran.

Using تربیت کردن in a sentence requires an understanding of its structure as a compound verb. It consists of the noun tarbiat (education/upbringing) and the light verb kardan (to do/make). To conjugate it, you only change the kardan part. For example, 'I raise' is tarbiat mikonam, and 'I raised' is tarbiat kardam. Because it is a transitive verb, you usually need the object marker ra after the person being raised. For instance, 'I am raising my son' becomes Man pesaram ra tarbiat mikonam. The verb can be used in various tenses to describe the ongoing process of parenting or the completed result of a person's character. In a formal context, you might say Amoozeshgah dar tarbiat-e javanan kooshast (The academy is diligent in educating the youth). In an informal setting, you might hear a mother say Daram bache-ha ro tarbiat mikonam (I am raising/disciplining the kids). It is also important to note that 'tarbiat kardan' can sometimes apply to animals, specifically in the sense of training them to behave or perform tricks, though amoozesh dadan is often preferred for specific skills. When discussing the nuances of the word, it's helpful to realize that it implies a sense of authority and guidance. You wouldn't typically use it for your peers or elders unless you are discussing their past upbringing. The passive form, tarbiat shodan (to be raised/educated), is also very common. For example, Oo dar yek khanevade-ye mazhabi tarbiat shode ast (He was raised in a religious family). This highlights the environment that shaped the person. Whether you are using the active or passive voice, the word always carries a connotation of intentionality—someone is actively shaping the character of another. Mastery of this verb allows you to discuss family dynamics, educational systems, and social values with precision. It is also a key word in psychology and sociology in Iran, appearing in titles of books and academic papers about child psychology. By understanding its conjugation and typical objects, you can participate in deep conversations about the future of the next generation.

Direct Object

Always identify who is being raised using the object marker 'ra' (or 'ro' in spoken Persian).

Tense Usage

Use the present continuous (daram tarbiat mikonam) to emphasize the ongoing daily struggle of parenting.

Compound Structure

Remember that the noun 'tarbiat' remains unchanged while 'kardan' carries the person and tense markers.

In the daily life of an Iranian, تربیت کردن is a word that echoes through hallways, classrooms, and family gatherings. You will most frequently hear it in the context of parental advice. Grandparents often comment on the tarbiat of their grandchildren, offering wisdom on how to 'properly' raise them. In Iranian media, specifically on the IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting), there are numerous talk shows dedicated to tarbiat-e bache (raising children), where psychologists and religious scholars discuss the best methods for nurturing the next generation. In these shows, the word is used with high frequency to denote the moral and social molding of the youth. You'll also encounter it in schools. During 'Parent-Teacher Association' (Anjoman-e Olia va Morabian) meetings, the focus is often on the shared responsibility of tarbiat between the home and the school. Teachers might tell parents, 'We handle the amoozesh (instruction), but the tarbiat starts with you.' Furthermore, in literature and cinema, the theme of upbringing is central. Films by directors like Abbas Kiarostami or Asghar Farhadi often subtly explore the consequences of a particular tarbiat on a character's life choices. In social settings, if someone behaves rudely in public, bystanders might whisper, 'In bache tarbiat nadare' (This child has no upbringing/manners), using the noun form, but the implied verb is the failure of the parents to tarbiat kardan. In a more professional or academic setting, you'll hear it in the phrase tarbiat-e badani, which literally means 'physical education' or 'PE' class. Here, the word 'tarbiat' is used to describe the training and cultivation of the body. Another common hearing is in the military or specialized training centers, where tarbiat-e niroo refers to the 'training of forces' or personnel. Whether it's the gentle guidance of a mother, the structured curriculum of a school, or the rigorous training of a soldier, tarbiat kardan is the verb of choice for any process that aims to improve, refine, or develop a person's capabilities and character. It is a word that carries the weight of social expectation and the hope for a better future.

In the Media

Frequent in parenting shows and educational documentaries on Iranian TV.

In Schools

Used by teachers and administrators to discuss student behavior and discipline.

In Public Life

Used as a yardstick for judging social behavior and adherence to 'Ta'arof'.

For English speakers learning Persian, the most common mistake is using تربیت کردن as a direct translation for 'teaching' a specific skill. If you want to say 'I taught my brother how to drive,' you should use yad dadan or amoozesh dadan. Using tarbiat kardan in that context would sound like you were raising him as a parent would, or trying to mold his entire moral character through a driving lesson, which is nonsensical. Another mistake is confusing tarbiat kardan with bozorg kardan (to grow/raise). While they are related, bozorg kardan focuses on the physical act of bringing someone from childhood to adulthood (providing food, shelter, and care), whereas tarbiat kardan focuses on the educational and moral aspects. You can 'bozorg' a child without 'tarbiat'ing them well, resulting in a 'bi-tarbiat' adult. Learners also often forget the object marker ra. Since tarbiat kardan is a transitive verb, saying 'Man bache tarbiat mikonam' sounds like a general statement about your profession, whereas 'Man bache-am ra tarbiat mikonam' specifically means you are raising your own child. Additionally, be careful with the register. In very informal slang, people might use adab kardan (to teach a lesson/to discipline) when they are angry or want to punish someone. While tarbiat kardan can include discipline, it is a much more positive and constructive term. Misusing it for animals can also be tricky; while you can tarbiat kardan a dog to be a good companion, you wouldn't tarbiat kardan a lion in a circus—that would be ram kardan (to tame). Finally, avoid using the word to describe educating yourself in a specific academic subject; you would use dars khandan or tahsil kardan for that. Tarbiat kardan is almost always directed outward toward another person, usually a younger one.

Vs. Amoozesh Dadan

Use 'Amoozesh' for skills/facts; use 'Tarbiat' for character/manners.

Vs. Bozorg Kardan

'Bozorg kardan' is physical growth; 'Tarbiat kardan' is moral growth.

The 'Ra' Marker

Don't forget 'ra' when referring to a specific child or person.

While تربیت کردن is the most common term for upbringing, Persian offers several nuances through alternative verbs. پرورش دادن (parvaresh dadan) is perhaps the closest synonym. It literally means 'to nurture' or 'to foster.' While tarbiat focuses on the moral and educational output, parvaresh emphasizes the process of growth and care. You'll often see them together as 'amoozesh va parvaresh.' Another alternative is بزرگ کردن (bozorg kardan), which means 'to make big' or 'to raise.' This is more general and covers the physical and logistical side of raising a child. If you want to focus specifically on manners and discipline, you might use ادب کردن (adab kardan). However, be careful, as this can sometimes imply punishment or 'teaching someone a lesson' in a harsher sense. In a more academic or formal setting, تعلیم دادن (ta'lim dadan) is used, which means 'to instruct' or 'to teach.' This is more about the transmission of knowledge than the shaping of character. For animals, آموزش دادن (amoozesh dadan) or رام کردن (ram kardan) are used depending on whether you are teaching a dog to sit or taming a wild animal. Understanding these distinctions is key to sounding like a native speaker. For example, a mother might say, 'I am bozorg kardan my children,' but a society might judge how she is tarbiat kardan them. The word tahzib (refining) is also used in very formal or religious contexts to describe the 'refining of the soul' (tahzib-e nafs), which is a higher form of self-directed tarbiat. By choosing the right word, you communicate your specific focus—whether it's growth, manners, instruction, or nurturing.

Parvaresh Dadan

More focus on nurturing and holistic growth. Often used in official titles.

Adab Kardan

Specifically about teaching manners, sometimes through discipline or punishment.

Bozorg Kardan

The most common everyday term for the physical act of raising a child.