میتوانم از شما خواهش کنم؟
mitavanam az shoma khahesh konam?
Can I ask a favor from you?
Signification
A polite way to ask for a favor or special request.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a 'gatekeeper' for Ta'arof. Using it correctly can often lead to the other person offering the service for free (initially), which you should then politely refuse. In fast-paced Tehran, the phrase is often shortened to 'میشه یه خواهشی بکنم؟' (Mi-she ye khaheshi bokonam?) to save time while staying polite. In Afghanistan, the word 'khahesh' is also used, but 'khast' or 'arz' might be used in even more formal settings to show respect to elders. Tajik Persian uses 'iltimos' (from Arabic) more frequently for 'please', but 'khahesh' is recognized as a formal, literary form.
The 'Az-etoon' Shortcut
In spoken Persian, 'az shoma' is often replaced by the suffix '-etoon' attached to the previous word, but for this specific phrase, keeping 'az shoma' separate sounds more elegant.
Don't forget the 'Az'
English speakers often say 'Can I request you?' but in Persian, you must say 'Can I request *from* you?' (az shoma).
Signification
A polite way to ask for a favor or special request.
The 'Az-etoon' Shortcut
In spoken Persian, 'az shoma' is often replaced by the suffix '-etoon' attached to the previous word, but for this specific phrase, keeping 'az shoma' separate sounds more elegant.
Don't forget the 'Az'
English speakers often say 'Can I request you?' but in Persian, you must say 'Can I request *from* you?' (az shoma).
Smile and Nod
When saying this, a slight tilt of the head shows you are being sincere in your humility.
Teste-toi
Complete the polite request.
میتوانم از شما _______ کنم که پنجره را ببندید؟
'Khahesh' is the noun needed to complete the compound verb 'khahesh kardan'.
Which sentence is the most polite for a stranger?
You want to ask a stranger for the time.
This uses the full formal structure, which is safest for strangers.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Person A: ببخشید آقا. Person B: بله؟ Person A: میتوانم از شما _______ کنم این کیف را برای من نگه دارید؟
The context of asking someone to hold a bag requires a request (khahesh).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'میتوانم از شما خواهش کنم؟' to the correct context.
A professor requires a formal register, making this phrase perfect.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Mitanam az shoma khahesh konam?'
Strangers
- • Asking directions
- • In a shop
- • On the bus
Authority
- • Teachers
- • Bosses
- • Doctors
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesمیتوانم از شما _______ کنم که پنجره را ببندید؟
'Khahesh' is the noun needed to complete the compound verb 'khahesh kardan'.
You want to ask a stranger for the time.
This uses the full formal structure, which is safest for strangers.
Person A: ببخشید آقا. Person B: بله؟ Person A: میتوانم از شما _______ کنم این کیف را برای من نگه دارید؟
The context of asking someone to hold a bag requires a request (khahesh).
Match 'میتوانم از شما خواهش کنم؟' to the correct context.
A professor requires a formal register, making this phrase perfect.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot at all. It's actually the perfect level of politeness for a shopkeeper you don't know.
Yes, it is highly recommended. It shows great respect for their position.
The shortest polite version is 'Ye khaheshi dashtam' (I had a request).
It's a historical spelling (called 'vow-e ma'dule') that is no longer pronounced in modern Persian.
Yes, 'Mitanid...?' (Can you...?) is also common, but 'Mitanam...?' (Can I...?) is slightly more humble.
Expressions liées
خواهش میکنم
similarYou're welcome / Please (go ahead)
لطفاً
synonymPlease
میشه یه خواهشی بکنم؟
informal alternativeCan I ask a favor?
جسارتاً
builds onPresumptuously / If I may be so bold
