Signification
Offering assistance to someone.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often a precursor to 'Ta'arof'. Even if someone needs help, they might say 'Na, mamnun' (No, thanks). You should offer again to show sincerity. In fast-paced Tehran, the phrase is often shortened to 'Mitonam komaketon konam?' and said quickly in shops. It's more functional and less ritualistic than in smaller cities. In a professional Iranian office, saying this to a visitor before they ask for anything is a sign of high-level hospitality ('Mehman-navazi'). When a man offers help to a woman he doesn't know, using the most formal version ('Mitavanavam komaketan konam') is essential to maintain a respectful and non-threatening boundary.
The 'Hand on Heart' Move
When saying this to a stranger, placing your right hand over your heart adds a layer of traditional Persian sincerity.
Don't forget the Subjunctive
Always use 'konam', never 'mikonam'. Using 'mikonam' makes you sound like a robot translating literally from another language.
Signification
Offering assistance to someone.
The 'Hand on Heart' Move
When saying this to a stranger, placing your right hand over your heart adds a layer of traditional Persian sincerity.
Don't forget the Subjunctive
Always use 'konam', never 'mikonam'. Using 'mikonam' makes you sound like a robot translating literally from another language.
The 'Bebakhshid' Buffer
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) if you are approaching someone you don't know. It makes the offer much more polite.
Teste-toi
Complete the formal offer of help.
ببخشید آقا، میتوانم _______ کنم؟
'-etan' is the correct formal suffix for 'you' in this context.
Which verb form correctly follows 'میتوانم'?
میتوانم کمکتان _______؟
The subjunctive 'konam' is required after the modal verb 'mitavanavam'.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
To whom would you say 'میتوانم کمکتان کنم؟'?
This formal phrase is used for respect with strangers or elders.
Complete the shopkeeper's dialogue.
فروشنده: سلام، خوش آمدید. _______؟ مشتری: بله، دنبال کفش ورزشی هستم.
This is the standard polite way for a shopkeeper to greet a customer.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesببخشید آقا، میتوانم _______ کنم؟
'-etan' is the correct formal suffix for 'you' in this context.
میتوانم کمکتان _______؟
The subjunctive 'konam' is required after the modal verb 'mitavanavam'.
To whom would you say 'میتوانم کمکتان کنم؟'?
This formal phrase is used for respect with strangers or elders.
فروشنده: سلام، خوش آمدید. _______؟ مشتری: بله، دنبال کفش ورزشی هستم.
This is the standard polite way for a shopkeeper to greet a customer.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot at all, but in a real shop, you'll likely hear the spoken version 'Mitonam'. Both are perfectly acceptable.
Yes, it is very appropriate for showing respect to a teacher or professor.
If they say 'Na, mamnun', you can say 'Khahesh mikonam, hatman ejaze bedid' (Please, definitely allow me). If they refuse again, just smile and walk away.
Persian prefers using possessive enclitics (-etan) with nouns in compound verbs. It sounds more 'Persian' and less like a translation.
Expressions liées
در خدمتم
similarI am at your service.
کمک میخوای؟
informalDo you want help?
چه کمکی از دستم برمیآید؟
specialized formWhat help can I provide?
بفرمایید؟
similarYes? / How can I help you?
