Significado
Someone who is awkward and often drops or breaks things.
Contexto cultural
In Iranian families, being called 'dast o pa cholofti' by an aunt or grandmother is often a term of endearment, implying you are still their 'little one' who needs looking after. In modern Tehran, this phrase is used heavily in 'selfie' culture and vlogs to show a 'relatable' and 'imperfect' side of life, moving away from the traditional Persian emphasis on perfect public presentation. Satirical writers like Iraj Pezeshkzad use clumsiness to humanize characters and poke fun at the upper class who try to act sophisticated but fail physically. While understood, Afghans might use 'Dast o pa locht' or 'Be-hunar' in similar contexts, though 'dast o pa cholofti' remains a classic import from Iranian media.
Self-Deprecation is Key
Use this phrase to laugh at yourself first; it makes you more likable in Persian social circles.
Don't Overuse with Strangers
Calling a stranger 'dast o pa cholofti' can be seen as an insult to their dignity.
Significado
Someone who is awkward and often drops or breaks things.
Self-Deprecation is Key
Use this phrase to laugh at yourself first; it makes you more likable in Persian social circles.
Don't Overuse with Strangers
Calling a stranger 'dast o pa cholofti' can be seen as an insult to their dignity.
The '-bazi' trick
Add '-bazi' to the end to talk about the *situation* rather than the *person* to make it less personal.
Ta'arof Context
If someone calls themselves clumsy, you should usually disagree and say 'Na, in che harfiye!' (No, what are you saying!).
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
علی دوباره لیوان را شکست، او خیلی ____ است.
Since Ali broke the glass again, 'clumsy' is the only logical adjective.
Which sentence is the most natural way to apologize for tripping?
If you trip in front of a friend, you say:
In Persian, we use the verb 'to be' (hastam) with this adjective.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا انقدر دیر کردی؟ B: توی راه خوردم زمین، میدانی که من چقدر ____ هستم.
Falling down (khordan zamin) is a classic sign of being 'dast o pa cholofti'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Dast o pa cholofti-bazi dar nayar'?
'-bazi dar nayar' is used to tell someone to stop being so uncoordinated/fumbling.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use 'Dast o Pa Cholofti'
Physical
- • Tripping
- • Dropping keys
- • Spilling tea
Social
- • Awkward silence
- • Wrong greeting
- • Fumbling words
Tech
- • Cracking screen
- • Accidental likes
- • Deleting files
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosعلی دوباره لیوان را شکست، او خیلی ____ است.
Since Ali broke the glass again, 'clumsy' is the only logical adjective.
If you trip in front of a friend, you say:
In Persian, we use the verb 'to be' (hastam) with this adjective.
A: چرا انقدر دیر کردی؟ B: توی راه خوردم زمین، میدانی که من چقدر ____ هستم.
Falling down (khordan zamin) is a classic sign of being 'dast o pa cholofti'.
When would you say 'Dast o pa cholofti-bazi dar nayar'?
'-bazi dar nayar' is used to tell someone to stop being so uncoordinated/fumbling.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's not a swear word. It's a mild, informal insult or a descriptive term, similar to 'clumsy' in English.
Yes, it's very common to use it for children who are learning to walk or handle things.
The opposite would be 'Zereshk' (slang for sharp) or 'Zerang' (clever/quick) or 'Ba-deghat' (careful).
You say: 'Man dast o pa cholofti nistam.'
Rarely. In formal writing, you would use 'bi-deghat' (careless) or 'adam-e maharat' (lack of skill).
No. 'Bi- عرضه' is much meaner and implies the person is a failure in life. 'Dast o pa cholofti' is just about physical accidents.
Yes, you can say someone is 'dast o pa cholofti' in social situations if they don't know how to behave or talk properly.
Yes, it connects 'hand' and 'foot'. Without it, the phrase doesn't make sense.
Yes, it is widely understood in Dari-speaking regions.
No, it's only for people or animals (like a clumsy puppy).
Frases relacionadas
بیعرضه
similarIncompetent / Useless
گیج
similarConfused / Dizzy
شل و ول
similarFloppy / Lazy
زرنگ
contrastSmart / Quick / Clever
دست کج
specialized formThieving (literally 'crooked hand')
