Signification
A polite way to ask for permission to ask something.
Contexte culturel
Iranians value 'Ta'arof', which means being indirect and extremely polite. Asking for permission to ask a question is a key part of this. In Iranian universities, students are expected to be very deferential. Interrupting without this phrase is seen as a sign of poor upbringing. In meetings, the most senior person usually speaks first. Using this phrase allows a junior employee to enter the conversation respectfully. Even online, Iranians often use the informal version 'mitunam ye so'al beporsam?' to show they aren't 'trolls' or being aggressive.
The 'Bebakhshid' Rule
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me). It makes the phrase 200% more natural to Iranian ears.
Don't forget the 'Be-'
If you say 'mitavānam porsam' without the 'be-', it sounds like you're reciting 13th-century poetry. Keep the 'be-' for modern speech!
Signification
A polite way to ask for permission to ask something.
The 'Bebakhshid' Rule
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me). It makes the phrase 200% more natural to Iranian ears.
Don't forget the 'Be-'
If you say 'mitavānam porsam' without the 'be-', it sounds like you're reciting 13th-century poetry. Keep the 'be-' for modern speech!
Wait for the 'Bale'
After you ask the phrase, wait for the person to say 'Bale' (Yes) or 'Befarmāyid' (Go ahead) before actually asking your question.
The 'Ye' Trick
Adding 'ye' (one/a) before 'so'āl' makes it sound slightly more casual and friendly: 'mitunam ye so'āl beporsam?'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the subjunctive mood.
ببخشید، میتوانم سؤال ...؟
After 'mitavānam', we need the first-person singular subjunctive 'beporsam'.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a teacher for permission to ask a question?
Select the best option:
This includes the apology 'bebakhshid', the title 'ostād', and the formal 'mitavānam'.
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a local.
Tourist: سلام، ببخشید. _________؟ Local: سلام، بله بفرمایید.
The local's response 'bale befarmāyid' (Yes, go ahead) indicates a request for permission was made.
Match the Persian phrase to its formality level.
Match the following:
The full 'ā' sound and standard grammar indicate formality.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use this phrase
Formal
- • Meetings
- • Interviews
- • Court
Academic
- • Lectures
- • Seminars
- • Study Groups
Public
- • Shops
- • Streets
- • Banks
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesببخشید، میتوانم سؤال ...؟
After 'mitavānam', we need the first-person singular subjunctive 'beporsam'.
Select the best option:
This includes the apology 'bebakhshid', the title 'ostād', and the formal 'mitavānam'.
Tourist: سلام، ببخشید. _________؟ Local: سلام، بله بفرمایید.
The local's response 'bale befarmāyid' (Yes, go ahead) indicates a request for permission was made.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The full 'ā' sound and standard grammar indicate formality.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's safe, but 'میتونم' (mitunam) is more common and sounds more like a local.
Yes, but it's like saying 'I have a question' vs 'May I ask a question?'. The latter is more polite.
Say 'میتوانم چند سؤال بپرسم؟' (Can I ask a few questions?).
In a classroom, yes. In a social setting, a small nod or 'bebakhshid' is enough.
No, 'porsesh' is also used, but 'so'āl' is much more common in spoken Persian.
Add 'az shomā': 'میتوانم از شما سؤال بپرسم؟'
Say 'بله، بفرمایید' (Yes, please go ahead).
Yes, it shows great respect, especially if you are asking about something serious.
Yes, Persian uses the same question mark as English, but it's reversed (؟).
Because Persian uses the subjunctive mood after verbs of ability like 'can'.
Expressions liées
سؤال دارم
similarI have a question
ببخشید
builds onExcuse me / Sorry
بفرمایید
contrastGo ahead / Please
اجازه هست؟
similarIs there permission?
