Bedeutung
To express uncertainty or doubt about something.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Iran, being too direct can be seen as 'bi-adab' (rude). Using 'Motma'en nistam' is a hallmark of a 'ba-adab' (polite) person. In Dari (Afghan Persian), the phrase is also common, though 'Bāwar nadāram' (I don't have belief/trust) is also frequently used for uncertainty. Tajik speakers use 'Mutmain nestam', which is the same phrase but with a slightly different vowel pronunciation due to the Cyrillic influence. In Iranian business, 'Motma'en nistam' often means 'I need to consult with my superiors' without explicitly saying so.
The 'Ke' Connection
Always follow 'Motma'en nistam' with 'ke' if you are adding a full sentence after it.
Don't over-Ta'arof
If you use this phrase for every single question, you might sound indecisive or weak.
Bedeutung
To express uncertainty or doubt about something.
The 'Ke' Connection
Always follow 'Motma'en nistam' with 'ke' if you are adding a full sentence after it.
Don't over-Ta'arof
If you use this phrase for every single question, you might sound indecisive or weak.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head and a small smile often accompany this phrase in Iran to show genuine politeness.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'to be' (negative).
من مطمئن ____ که او کجاست.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'nistam'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to say you don't know the answer?
دوست شما از شما سوالی میپرسد و شما جواب را نمیدانید.
'Motma'en nistam' is softer and more polite than 'Nemidūnam'.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: فردا باران میبارد؟ علی: ________، اما آسمان ابری است.
The context of 'but the sky is cloudy' implies uncertainty.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a meeting and someone asks for a deadline you can't guarantee.
This is a professional way to manage expectations.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenمن مطمئن ____ که او کجاست.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'nistam'.
دوست شما از شما سوالی میپرسد و شما جواب را نمیدانید.
'Motma'en nistam' is softer and more polite than 'Nemidūnam'.
سارا: فردا باران میبارد؟ علی: ________، اما آسمان ابری است.
The context of 'but the sky is cloudy' implies uncertainty.
You are in a meeting and someone asks for a deadline you can't guarantee.
This is a professional way to manage expectations.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your teacher, or your boss.
No, the adjective must come before the verb in this construction.
'Shak dāram' (I have doubt) is stronger and often implies you think something is wrong. 'Motma'en nistam' is just a lack of certainty.
You say 'Kamalan motma'enam' (کاملاً مطمئنم).
In slang, people just say 'Nemidūnam' or 'Fekr nakonam'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
شک دارم
synonymI have doubt
نمیدانم
similarI don't know
مطمئنم
contrastI am sure
احتمالاً
builds onProbably
بستگی دارد
similarIt depends
