نگاه کردن
nigāh kardan/ni.ˈɡaːh kar.ˈdan/
The English verb 'look' can be translated into Persian as نگاه کردن (nigāh kardan). Wiktionary also lists سیل کردن (sayl kardan) and نگریستن (nigarīstan).
Meaning: to try to see (verb)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| نگاه کردن | nigāh kardan | /ni.ˈɡaːh kar.ˈdan/ (Classical Persian) |
| سیل کردن | sayl kardan | /sajl kar.ˈdan/ (Classical Persian) |
| نگریستن | nigarīstan | /ni.ɡa.riːs.ˈtan/ (Classical Persian) |
When you want to say 'look at [something]', you use the preposition به (be) after the verb.
What does it mean word for word?
نگاه کردن is a compound verb consisting of the noun نگاه (look/glance) and the verb کردن (to do). Literally, it means 'to do a look'.
Which one should you use?
While نگاه کردن is the standard way to say 'to look', نگریستن is a more formal, literary or poetic alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form نگاه کنید (nigāh konid) is used when speaking politely or to a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The Persian verb کردن (kardan, 'to do'), used to form 'to look', is a relative of the English word 'work' through the Proto-Indo-European root *kʷer-.
- The word نگاه (look/glance) shares an ancient root with the Persian word آگاه (âgâh), which means 'aware' or 'knowledgeable'.
Example sentences for Persian are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Ali and Niloufar are at an art gallery.
- علی Aliنیلوفر، به این تابلو نگاه کردن.Niloufar, be in tablo negah kardan.Niloufar, look at this painting.
- نیلوفر Niloufarبله، خیلی زیباست.Bale, kheyli zibast.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- علی Aliبه رنگهای آن نگاه کردن.Be rang-haye an negah kardan.Look at its colors.
- نیلوفر Niloufarواقعاً چشمنواز است.Vaghean cheshm-navaz ast.It really is eye-catching.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “look” translations and entries نگاه کردن, سیل کردن, نگریستن, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries سیل, سیل کردن, نگاه, کردن, CC BY-SA 4.0.
