Signification
A comforting phrase, meaning 'let it be a sacrifice for your head' or 'it's not important'.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a core part of 'Ta'arof' culture, where minimizing one's own loss to make a guest or friend feel comfortable is a sign of high social intelligence. In Dari Persian, the phrase is also used with similar warmth, often followed by 'صدقه سرت' (Sadagheh saret), which also means 'charity for your head.' Tajik speakers use 'فدای سرت' but might also use 'هیچ گپ نیست' (Hich gap nest - It's nothing) more frequently in casual speech. Second-generation Iranians often use this phrase even when speaking English ('Fadaye saret, don't worry about it') because English lacks a perfect emotional equivalent.
Double it for warmth
Saying 'Fadaye saret, fadaye saret!' twice makes you sound much more sincere and native.
Not for your own mistakes
Never say 'Fadaye saram' (sacrifice for my head) when you make a mistake; it sounds incredibly arrogant.
Signification
A comforting phrase, meaning 'let it be a sacrifice for your head' or 'it's not important'.
Double it for warmth
Saying 'Fadaye saret, fadaye saret!' twice makes you sound much more sincere and native.
Not for your own mistakes
Never say 'Fadaye saram' (sacrifice for my head) when you make a mistake; it sounds incredibly arrogant.
The 'Salamat Bashi' reply
If someone says 'Fadaye saret' to you, the best reply is 'Salamat bashi' (May you be healthy).
Use with 'Azizam'
Adding 'Azizam' (my dear) at the end makes the comfort much stronger.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
دوستم: 'ببخشید، کتابت رو گم کردم.' من: '_______، یکی دیگه میخرم.'
When someone loses something, 'Fadaye saret' is the most appropriate comforting response.
Match the situation to the best response.
Situation: Your younger brother failed his driving test and is crying.
'Fadaye saret' is used to comfort someone after a failure.
Which of these is NOT a correct use of 'Fadaye saret'?
Choose the incorrect context:
The phrase is never used for the death of a person.
Complete the dialogue to sound like a native speaker.
سارا: 'وای! بشقاب عتیقه مامانت از دستم افتاد و شکست!' علی: '_______، مامانم تو رو بیشتر از بشقابهاش دوست داره.'
Ali is prioritizing Sara's feelings over the antique plate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Fadaye Saret vs. Eshkali Nadare
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesدوستم: 'ببخشید، کتابت رو گم کردم.' من: '_______، یکی دیگه میخرم.'
When someone loses something, 'Fadaye saret' is the most appropriate comforting response.
Situation: Your younger brother failed his driving test and is crying.
'Fadaye saret' is used to comfort someone after a failure.
Choose the incorrect context:
The phrase is never used for the death of a person.
سارا: 'وای! بشقاب عتیقه مامانت از دستم افتاد و شکست!' علی: '_______، مامانم تو رو بیشتر از بشقابهاش دوست داره.'
Ali is prioritizing Sara's feelings over the antique plate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is informal to neutral. In very formal settings, use 'Eshkali nadare'.
Yes! It is often used for car accidents or losing large sums of money to show that the person's life is more important.
The most common reply is 'Salamat bashi' (May you be healthy) or 'Mamnoon' (Thank you).
Yes, in texts, social media, and informal letters. It's rare in formal reports.
It means 'sacrifice' or 'ransom'.
Only if you have a very close, friendly relationship. Otherwise, it's too casual.
Yes, it is very common in Dari Persian as well.
No. If someone is physically hurt, say 'Bala door bashe' (May danger be far).
Yes: 'Fadaye saretoon' (فدای سرتون). Use this for a group or to be more polite.
Rarely, but it can be if said with a specific tone. 99% of the time it is genuine.
Yes, friends often say it after a breakup to mean 'they weren't worth it'.
It literally means 'May it be a sacrifice for your head.'
Expressions liées
عیبی نداره
synonymNo problem / No flaw
قربانت بروم
similarMay I be your sacrifice
فدای تو
similarSacrifice for you
بیخیال
similarDon't worry / Let it go
فدای سرش
specialized formDon't worry about him/her
