Signification
A common and modest response to 'How are you?', indicating reasonable well-being.
Contexte culturel
In Iran, saying you are 'too good' can sometimes be seen as inviting bad luck or envy. 'Bad nistam' is a protective linguistic habit. Similar phrases are used in Dari, though 'Shokr' is often followed by 'Fazl-e Khoda' (By God's grace). Tajik speakers use 'Shukri Khudo' but might use more Russian-influenced structures in urban areas. In the US or Europe, younger Persians might mix this with English: 'Shokr, I'm not bad.'
The 'Ey' Factor
Add 'Ey' (ای) at the start to sound 100% more like a local. 'Ey, shokre khoda...'
Don't over-smile
Since the phrase is modest, saying it with a massive, ecstatic grin might seem confusing. Keep a gentle, content smile.
Signification
A common and modest response to 'How are you?', indicating reasonable well-being.
The 'Ey' Factor
Add 'Ey' (ای) at the start to sound 100% more like a local. 'Ey, shokre khoda...'
Don't over-smile
Since the phrase is modest, saying it with a massive, ecstatic grin might seem confusing. Keep a gentle, content smile.
Ta'arof Loop
Be prepared for the other person to respond with 'Khoda ra shokr' (Thank God) after you say this phrase.
Teste-toi
Complete the response to the greeting.
علی: سلام، چطوری؟ رضا: سلام، _______ خدا، بد نیستم.
'Shokr' is the standard word used with 'khoda' in this phrase.
Which response is the most culturally appropriate for a neutral setting?
How are you? (Formal/Neutral)
It balances modesty and politeness perfectly.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
مادر: پسرم، حالت چطور است؟ پسر: _________، بد نیستم مادر جان. شما چطورید؟
When talking to elders, 'Shokr-e khoda' adds a respectful tone.
Match the phrase to the best situation.
Phrase: 'شکرِ خدا، بد نیستم'
It is a standard social greeting for everyday life.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Persian vs. English Modesty
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesعلی: سلام، چطوری؟ رضا: سلام، _______ خدا، بد نیستم.
'Shokr' is the standard word used with 'khoda' in this phrase.
How are you? (Formal/Neutral)
It balances modesty and politeness perfectly.
مادر: پسرم، حالت چطور است؟ پسر: _________، بد نیستم مادر جان. شما چطورید؟
When talking to elders, 'Shokr-e khoda' adds a respectful tone.
Phrase: 'شکرِ خدا، بد نیستم'
It is a standard social greeting for everyday life.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, not at all. It is a cultural idiom used by atheists, Christians, and Muslims alike in Iran.
Yes, it is very appropriate for the 'small talk' phase of a meeting.
'Alhamdulillah' is more formal and Arabic-rooted. 'Shokr-e khoda' feels more Persian and warm.
No, in Persian culture, 'not bad' is a very positive, stable state.
Change 'nistam' to 'nistim' (شکرِ خدا، بد نیستیم).
Yes, but adding 'Shokr-e khoda' makes it much more polite and complete.
Yes, it is completely gender-neutral.
You can still say this to be modest, or say 'Shokr-e khoda, kheyli khubam'.
No, 'Shekar' (شکر) means sugar. 'Shokr' (شکر) means thanks. They are spelled similarly but pronounced differently.
Yes, very often. You might see it written as 'shokr' or 'shokre khoda'.
Expressions liées
الحمدلله
synonymPraise be to God
میگذره
similarIt's passing / I'm getting by
خوبم، مرسی
similarI'm good, thanks
دعاگوی شما هستم
specialized formI am praying for you
ای، بدک نیستم
informalEh, I'm not too bad
