Signification
A common response to 'How are you?' indicating an average state.
Contexte culturel
Persians often use 'Bad nistam' to avoid 'Cheshm-zakhm' (the Evil Eye). Being 'too good' might invite bad luck or jealousy. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'bad nistam' is often said quickly with a sigh, indicating that the person is surviving the traffic and stress. Many people add 'Alhamdulillah' or 'Shokr' after 'bad nistam' to show gratitude to God regardless of their state. Younger Iranians might find 'bad nistam' a bit 'old school' and prefer 'OK-am' or 'Radifam', but they still use it with elders.
The 'Ey' Factor
Add a long 'Ey...' (Eh...) before 'bad nistam' to sound 100% more like a local.
Don't be too happy
In some traditional circles, saying 'I'm fantastic!' can be seen as slightly arrogant. Stick to 'bad nistam'.
Signification
A common response to 'How are you?' indicating an average state.
The 'Ey' Factor
Add a long 'Ey...' (Eh...) before 'bad nistam' to sound 100% more like a local.
Don't be too happy
In some traditional circles, saying 'I'm fantastic!' can be seen as slightly arrogant. Stick to 'bad nistam'.
The Shokr Add-on
Even if you aren't religious, adding 'Shokr' (Thanks) is a cultural habit that makes the phrase sound more complete.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Ali: Salam! Chetori? You: ________, mamnun.
'Bad nistam' is the standard polite response. 'Bad nist' is for 3rd person.
Which sentence means 'I am not bad'?
Choose the correct Persian script:
بد (bad) + نیستم (nistam) means 'I am not bad'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A colleague asks how you are during a busy Monday.
In a work context, 'bad nistam' is the most balanced and common response.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
How are you? Scale
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAli: Salam! Chetori? You: ________, mamnun.
'Bad nistam' is the standard polite response. 'Bad nist' is for 3rd person.
Choose the correct Persian script:
بد (bad) + نیستم (nistam) means 'I am not bad'.
Situation: A colleague asks how you are during a busy Monday.
In a work context, 'bad nistam' is the most balanced and common response.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot at all! It is a very polite and standard response. It's much better than saying nothing or being overly emotional.
Yes, it's neutral enough for a boss, though 'Khubam, mamnun' is slightly more professional.
'Badak' is more informal and implies 'actually, I'm doing pretty well.'
It's a mix of cultural modesty, the 'Evil Eye' superstition, and a linguistic habit of using litotes.
Yes, but change it to 'bad nist' (It's not bad).
Expressions liées
خوبم
synonymI am good
بدک نیستم
similarI'm not half bad
میگذره
similarIt's passing / I'm getting by
تعریفی نداره
contrastNothing to brag about
روبراهم
synonymI'm on track / I'm good
