Significado
A phrase to express the desire for water.
Contexto cultural
In Iran, you will almost never be refused water. It is considered a basic human right and a religious blessing to provide it. Water is linked to the tragedy of Karbala. Many public water dispensers have signs saying 'Salām bar Hossein' (Peace be upon Hussein), reminding people of his thirst. If someone offers you water, it's polite to decline once or twice before accepting, though as a foreigner, you can accept immediately if you are truly thirsty. Due to water scarcity in Iran, wasting water is deeply frowned upon. Always finish the glass you are given.
Drop the 'Man'
Don't say 'Man' every time. It sounds more natural to just say 'Ab mikhāham'.
Add 'Lotfan'
Always add 'lotfan' (please) to sound polite and respectful.
Significado
A phrase to express the desire for water.
Drop the 'Man'
Don't say 'Man' every time. It sounds more natural to just say 'Ab mikhāham'.
Add 'Lotfan'
Always add 'lotfan' (please) to sound polite and respectful.
Tap Water
In some parts of Iran, it's better to ask for 'Ab-e ma'dani' (bottled water) to be safe.
The 'Kh' Sound
Practice the 'kh' sound by clearing your throat gently. It shouldn't be too harsh!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing verb to say 'I want water'.
من آب ________.
The ending '-am' is used for 'I' (Man).
Which of these is the most common spoken way to ask for water?
How do you say 'I want water' to a friend?
'Mikhām' is the colloquial/spoken version of 'mikhāham'.
Match the Persian word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Waiter: چی میل دارید؟ (What would you like?) Learner: ________، لطفا.
You are responding to a request for what you want to drink.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Formal vs Informal
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosمن آب ________.
The ending '-am' is used for 'I' (Man).
How do you say 'I want water' to a friend?
'Mikhām' is the colloquial/spoken version of 'mikhāham'.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Waiter: چی میل دارید؟ (What would you like?) Learner: ________، لطفا.
You are responding to a request for what you want to drink.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, it's neutral. Adding 'lotfan' makes it perfectly polite.
You say 'Tashne-am' (تشنهام).
'Mikhāham' is written/formal; 'mikhām' is spoken/informal.
Yes! Just replace 'Ab' with 'Chāy' (tea) or 'Ghahve' (coffee).
In this specific request, 'rā' is usually dropped. 'Ab rā mikhāham' sounds like you are pointing to a specific bottle.
Say 'Kheyli āb mikhāham' (I want a lot of water).
Usually, tap water is free, but bottled water (Ab-e ma'dani) is charged.
Say 'Ab mikhāhi?' with a rising tone.
It means 'boiling water', often used for making tea.
Tea is the default drink of hospitality. Just politely repeat 'Ab mikhāham'.
Yes, they share a very distant Indo-European ancestor!
Say 'Ab nemikhāham'.
Frases relacionadas
تشنهام
similarI am thirsty
آب لطفا
specialized formWater please
یک لیوان آب
builds onA glass of water
آب معدنی
specialized formMineral water
نوش جان
contrastBon appétit / May it be soul-nourishing
