Signification
A polite request for someone to speak or provide information.
Contexte culturel
In Iran, 'لطفاً بگویید' is often the start of a 'Ta'arof' exchange. Even if the person knows the answer, they might wait for you to ask politely before providing it. In Dari Persian, the phrase is equally common but the pronunciation of 'لطفاً' might sound more like 'Lutfan' with a distinct 'u' sound. Tajik Persian (written in Cyrillic as Лутфан бигӯед) often uses 'marhamat' alongside 'lotfan' due to historical influences. In the diaspora (USA, Europe), younger generations might use 'lotfan begid' more often than the full 'beguyid', reflecting a shift toward more casual but still respectful speech.
The 'Begid' Shortcut
If you want to sound more natural in Tehran, use 'begid' instead of 'beguyid'. It's still polite but sounds less like a textbook.
Don't forget the 'id'
If you use 'lotfan' but end the verb with 'o' (begu), it sounds like you are confused about who you are talking to.
Signification
A polite request for someone to speak or provide information.
The 'Begid' Shortcut
If you want to sound more natural in Tehran, use 'begid' instead of 'beguyid'. It's still polite but sounds less like a textbook.
Don't forget the 'id'
If you use 'lotfan' but end the verb with 'o' (begu), it sounds like you are confused about who you are talking to.
Wait for the Pause
After saying 'لطفاً بگویید', give the person a moment. In Persian culture, a brief pause shows you are giving them the 'space' to speak respectfully.
Use with 'Bebakhshid'
Start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) + 'lotfan beguyid' for the ultimate polite request to a stranger.
Teste-toi
Which phrase is most appropriate when asking a librarian for help?
ببخشید، ________ این کتاب کجاست؟
A librarian is a professional stranger, so the formal 'لطفاً بگویید' is the only respectful choice.
Complete the sentence with the correct formal imperative of 'goftan'.
آقا، لطفاً آدرس را به من ________.
The word 'آقا' (Sir) and 'لطفاً' (Please) require the formal plural ending '-id'.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Person A: من یک سوال دارم. Person B: بله، ________.
Person B is inviting Person A to ask their question politely.
Match the phrase to the correct social context.
1. بگو | 2. لطفاً بگویید
Singular is for friends; plural/formal is for strangers.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesببخشید، ________ این کتاب کجاست؟
A librarian is a professional stranger, so the formal 'لطفاً بگویید' is the only respectful choice.
آقا، لطفاً آدرس را به من ________.
The word 'آقا' (Sir) and 'لطفاً' (Please) require the formal plural ending '-id'.
Person A: من یک سوال دارم. Person B: بله، ________.
Person B is inviting Person A to ask their question politely.
1. بگو | 2. لطفاً بگویید
Singular is for friends; plural/formal is for strangers.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's perfect. It shows you are a polite customer. You can also use the slightly shorter 'lotfan begid'.
Yes, it is the most appropriate way to ask a teacher for information or an explanation.
'Beguyid' specifically means 'say', while 'befarma'id' is a general polite 'go ahead' which can mean speak, eat, or enter.
This is the 'honorific plural'. It's a way to show respect by treating the individual as more than just a single unit.
You say 'لطفاً نگویید' (Lotfan naguyid). Just change the 'be' to 'na'.
Yes, it's an Arabic loanword, but it's been used in Persian for centuries and is the standard word for 'please'.
Absolutely. It's very common in formal or semi-formal correspondence.
You can add 'be man' (to me): 'لطفاً به من بگویید'.
Usually, you need a verb. Just saying 'lotfan' is like just saying 'please' in English—it needs context.
In speech, yes, slightly. In writing, no, it's the standard.
Expressions liées
بفرمایید
similarPlease (go ahead/speak/command)
توضیح دهید
specialized formPlease explain
بگو
contrastSay (informal)
بیان کنید
synonymPlease express/state
پاسخ دهید
specialized formPlease answer
