Persian is a language of subtlety and depth, where a single verb can paint an entire scene. While most learners stick to basic vocabulary, mastering a few uncommon verbs can transform your speech from functional to lyrical. Here are ten Persian verbs that’ll make you sound like you’ve stepped out of a Hafez poem.
1. گریستن (giristan)
گریستن
[ɡi.ɾiːs.ˈtan]“to weep (poetically)”
Example: بر مزار عشقش گریست. (He wept at the grave of his love.)
2. نواختن (navākhtan)
نواختن
[na.wɑːx.tan]“to play (an instrument), but also to bestow”
Example: تقدیر برایش بد نواخت. (Fate played him a cruel tune.)
3. تابیدن (tābidan)
تابیدن
[tɑː.βiː.ðan]“to shine, radiate”
4. ساییدن (sāyidan)
ساییدن
/sɒːjiːˈd̪æn/“to grind, but also to wear down (emotionally)”
5. بالیدن (bālidan)
بالیدن
/bɒːliːˈd̪æn/“to flourish, thrive (like a plant or reputation)”
For more nature-inspired Persian vocabulary, see our guide to the most beautiful Persian words for nature.
6. گداختن (godākhtan)
گداختن
[ɡu.ðɑːx.ˈtan]“to melt (metals), or to soften (hearts)”
7. رستن (rostan)
رستن
[ɾas.ˈtan]“to grow (like plants), but also to escape”
8. افشاندن (afshāndan)
افشاندن
[ʔaf.ʃɑːn.ˈdan]“to scatter (like seeds or petals)”
9. تاختن (tākhtan)
تاختن
[tɑːx.ˈtan]“to gallop, or to attack (poetically)”
10. آرمیدن (ārāmidan)
آرمیدن
/ɒːɾɒːmiːˈd̪æn/“to rest (peacefully, like in death or sleep)”
For more linguistic depth, try pairing these verbs with timeless Persian proverbs or exploring how other languages handle poetic expression.
