Signification
Asking about someone's origin, specifically the city.
Contexte culturel
Iranians are very proud of their 'vatan' (homeland/hometown). Asking this question is seen as a sign of respect and interest in their heritage. Many people in Tehran are 'Tehrani-ye asil' (original Tehranis), but many more moved there from other cities. Asking this helps people find their 'ham-shahri' (fellow citizen). Shirazis are known for their hospitality and relaxed nature. If you ask a Shirazi this, be prepared for an invitation to tea! Isfahan is called 'Nesf-e Jahān' (Half of the World). If someone is from there, they expect you to know about their city's beauty.
The 'Kodom' Shortcut
In 90% of real conversations, people say 'kodom' instead of 'kodām'. Use 'kodom' to sound more like a native.
Don't forget the 'Az'
If you just say 'Kodām shahr hastid?', it sounds like 'Which city are you?' (as if the person is a city). Always include 'Az'.
Signification
Asking about someone's origin, specifically the city.
The 'Kodom' Shortcut
In 90% of real conversations, people say 'kodom' instead of 'kodām'. Use 'kodom' to sound more like a native.
Don't forget the 'Az'
If you just say 'Kodām shahr hastid?', it sounds like 'Which city are you?' (as if the person is a city). Always include 'Az'.
The Compliment Rule
When someone tells you their city, always say something nice about it. It's a key part of Persian social grace.
Regional Accents
If you can guess the city based on their accent before asking, you will impress them immensely!
Teste-toi
Complete the formal question.
شما ___ کدام شهر هستید؟
'Az' is the preposition meaning 'from', required for origins.
Which one is the most formal way to ask about a city?
Which is the most formal?
The use of 'kodām' and 'hastid' makes it the most formal option.
Complete the dialogue with a polite response.
شخص الف: از کدام شهر هستید؟ شخص ب: _________.
The response should state the origin city using 'Man az... hastam'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Asking a taxi driver about his hometown.
This is the polite way to ask a stranger about their origin.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesشما ___ کدام شهر هستید؟
'Az' is the preposition meaning 'from', required for origins.
Which is the most formal?
The use of 'kodām' and 'hastid' makes it the most formal option.
شخص الف: از کدام شهر هستید؟ شخص ب: _________.
The response should state the origin city using 'Man az... hastam'.
Asking a taxi driver about his hometown.
This is the polite way to ask a stranger about their origin.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, for close friends, use 'Ahle kojāyi?' or 'Bache-ye kojāyi?'.
Yes, just replace 'shahr' with 'keshvar' (country). 'Az kodām keshvar hastid?'.
'Az kodām shahr' is specific to a city, while 'Ahle kojā' is more general (Where are you from?).
Say 'Man az [City] hastam' or simply '[City] هستم'.
It's a standard feature of the Tehrani dialect where 'ā' often becomes 'o' before 'm' or 'n'.
No, it's actually considered friendly and a sign of interest in Iran.
It means both. For a small village, you would use 'rustā'.
Yes, that is also very common and slightly less formal.
Just say 'Che jaleb!' (How interesting!) and ask where it is located.
Yes, but it is used for a single person to show respect (like 'vous' in French).
Expressions liées
اهل کجا هستید؟
synonymWhere are you from?
بچه کجایی؟
specialized formWhere are you from? (slang)
کجایی هستید؟
similarWhere-ish are you?
اصالتاً کجایی هستید؟
builds onWhere are you originally from?
کجا زندگی میکنید؟
contrastWhere do you live?
