Signification
Asking for the definition or interpretation of a word or phrase.
Contexte culturel
In Iran, asking for the 'ma'ni' of a name is a common icebreaker. Most Persian names have poetic meanings (e.g., 'Sepideh' means 'Dawn'). In Dari Persian, the phrase is identical, but the pronunciation of 'che' might be slightly sharper. It is equally essential for navigating social etiquette. Tajik speakers use the same root, though they write it in Cyrillic (Ин чӣ маъно دارد؟). The concept of 'ma'no' remains central to their literary tradition. In mystical Persian culture, 'Ma'ni' is contrasted with 'Surat' (Form). Asking for the meaning is seen as looking for the soul of a thing.
Use it to stay in Persian
Instead of asking 'What does this mean in English?', ask 'In che ma'ni dārad?' to keep your brain in Persian mode.
Watch your tone
A very loud or aggressive 'IN CHE MA'NI DARAD?!' sounds like you are angry about something someone did.
Signification
Asking for the definition or interpretation of a word or phrase.
Use it to stay in Persian
Instead of asking 'What does this mean in English?', ask 'In che ma'ni dārad?' to keep your brain in Persian mode.
Watch your tone
A very loud or aggressive 'IN CHE MA'NI DARAD?!' sounds like you are angry about something someone did.
The 'Ya'ni' shortcut
If you forget the whole sentence, just say the word you don't know followed by 'ya'ni chi?'. It's faster and very natural.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct verb.
این کلمه چه معنی _______؟
The standard phrase uses the verb 'dārad' (has).
Which sentence is the most formal way to ask for a meaning?
Select the formal option:
'این چه معنی دارد؟' is the full formal version, while the others are informal or slang.
Fill in the student's part of the dialogue.
استاد: این یک اصطلاح قدیمی است. شاگرد: ببخشید، ________؟
The student is asking for the meaning of the 'old idiom' mentioned by the teacher.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You see a sign in a Persian park that you don't understand.
You use this phrase to ask for the meaning of signs or text.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesاین کلمه چه معنی _______؟
The standard phrase uses the verb 'dārad' (has).
Select the formal option:
'این چه معنی دارد؟' is the full formal version, while the others are informal or slang.
استاد: این یک اصطلاح قدیمی است. شاگرد: ببخشید، ________؟
The student is asking for the meaning of the 'old idiom' mentioned by the teacher.
Situation: You see a sign in a Persian park that you don't understand.
You use this phrase to ask for the meaning of signs or text.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's a bit stiff. With friends, 'In ya'ni chi?' (این یعنی چی؟) is much more common and relaxed.
Yes! If someone does something strange, you can ask 'In kar che ma'ni dārad?' (What does this action mean?).
They are essentially the same. 'Ma'na' is slightly more formal/literary, while 'ma'ni' is the standard everyday word.
Start your answer with 'Ya'ni...' (It means...) followed by the explanation.
Yes, it's the standard way to ask for a translation of a word you see or hear.
In modern Tehrani Persian, it's usually just a slight lengthening of the vowel or a tiny pause, not a harsh throat sound.
No, that would mean 'What meaning do you have?', which doesn't make sense in this context.
The concept of 'ma'ni' is huge in poetry, but the specific question 'In che ma'ni dārad?' is more functional and prose-oriented.
Use 'Manzurat chist?' (منظورت چیست؟) instead.
Yes, but usually people write 'In yani chi?' or even just 'yani chi?' in texts.
Expressions liées
یعنی چه؟
similarWhat does it mean? / What's the point?
منظورت چیست؟
specialized formWhat do you mean? (What is your intention?)
مفهوم این چیست؟
synonymWhat is the concept/implication of this?
این به چه معناست؟
synonymWhat does this signify?
