What it means
امتحان (emtehân) is the standard word for exam or test in Persian. It comes directly from the Arabic امتحان (imtihân), derived from the root م-ح-ن (m-h-n) relating to testing or trying something out. It covers everything from a classroom quiz to a final university exam to a practical driving test. The more formal synonym آزمون (âzmun) is used in official documents and standardized testing contexts, but امتحان is what Iranians say in daily life. The verb form is امتحان دادن (emtehân dâdan), literally giving an exam, which means taking a test.
How to use it
- فردا امتحان دارم. (fardâ emtehân dâram.) “I have an exam tomorrow.”
- امتحان ریاضی سخت بود. (emtehâne riâzi sakht bud.) “The math exam was hard.”
- کِی امتحان میدی؟ (key emtehân midi?) “When are you taking the exam?”
- برای امتحان آمادهای؟ (barâye emtehân âmâde-i?) “Are you ready for the exam?”
Cultural note
The Iranian academic year runs two semesters, each ending in an امتحانات (emtehânât, exams period) that families treat as a household event: younger siblings are told to be quiet, social outings are cancelled, and mothers often bring food directly to the study desk. The phrase خوندن برای امتحان (khundan barâye emtehân), studying for an exam, is a near-universal shared experience across generations of Iranians.