Signification
Used to ask for clarification or repetition of a statement.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Adab' (manners) dictates that you should rarely use 'Chi gofti?' with anyone older than you. Even a few years' difference can make it feel too casual. In Tehran, 'Chi gofti?' is often shortened to just 'Chi?' in very fast, casual speech among youth. In Dari, you are more likely to hear 'Chi gofti?' or 'Chi gufti?' with a slightly different vowel sound, but the usage remains identical. Tajik speakers use 'Chi gufti?' but often follow it with more formal Russian-influenced structures in professional settings.
The 'Jan' Alternative
If you're unsure about formality, just say 'Jan?'. It's always safe, polite, and sounds very native.
Watch the Pitch
A falling pitch on 'gofti' can sound like you're accusing someone of saying something bad. Keep it rising for a question.
Signification
Used to ask for clarification or repetition of a statement.
The 'Jan' Alternative
If you're unsure about formality, just say 'Jan?'. It's always safe, polite, and sounds very native.
Watch the Pitch
A falling pitch on 'gofti' can sound like you're accusing someone of saying something bad. Keep it rising for a question.
Body Language
Often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or cupping the hand behind the ear.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct informal form of 'to say' in the past tense.
ببخشید، نشنیدم _____؟ (What did you say?)
Since it's an informal context (implied by the lack of honorifics), 'چی گفتی' is the correct choice.
Which phrase is most appropriate to use with your professor if you didn't hear them?
If you are in a university lecture and missed a point:
'Chi farmoodid' is the respectful, formal way to ask for repetition.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your best friend tells you they won the lottery.
A high-pitched 'Chi gofti' expresses the shock and disbelief appropriate for this news.
Complete the dialogue.
A: فردا تولد منه. B: _________؟ واقعاً؟
B is asking A what they just said.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels of 'What?'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesببخشید، نشنیدم _____؟ (What did you say?)
Since it's an informal context (implied by the lack of honorifics), 'چی گفتی' is the correct choice.
If you are in a university lecture and missed a point:
'Chi farmoodid' is the respectful, formal way to ask for repetition.
Situation: Your best friend tells you they won the lottery.
A high-pitched 'Chi gofti' expresses the shock and disbelief appropriate for this news.
A: فردا تولد منه. B: _________؟ واقعاً؟
B is asking A what they just said.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not rude among friends, but it is considered 'bi-adab' (impolite) with elders or in formal settings.
Yes, it's very common in texting (written as چی گفتی؟).
'Chi?' is just 'What?', while 'Chi gofti?' is specifically 'What did you say?'. 'Chi?' is even more informal.
Use 'Bebakhshid, chi goftid?' or simply 'Jan?'.
Constantly! It's one of the most frequent phrases in Iranian cinema dialogue.
Usually 'Chi migi?' or 'Manzooret chie?' is better for meaning. 'Chi gofti?' is for the literal words.
No, Persian verbs are gender-neutral. It's the same for everyone.
Change it to 'Chi goft?' (چی گفت؟).
Rarely. It sounds very formal or like someone reciting poetry.
The speaker will usually repeat their last sentence, often starting with 'Goftam ke...' (I said that...).
Expressions liées
چی میگی؟
similarWhat are you saying?
جان؟
synonymYes? / What?
ببخشید؟
synonymExcuse me?
چی فرمودید؟
specialized formWhat did you (honorific) say?
متوجه نشدم
builds onI didn't understand.
