Meaning
Politically telling someone they are wrong.
Cultural Background
Directly telling someone they are wrong is often avoided to save face. People often use 'I think' or 'Maybe' before saying 'eshtebah mikonid'. In meetings, 'eshtebah mikonid' is often replaced by 'I have a different opinion' to be even more diplomatic. In Afghanistan, the phrase is also common, but 'ghalat' is sometimes used slightly more freely in non-insulting contexts, though 'eshtebah' remains more formal. Tajik Persian uses 'khato' (خطا) frequently alongside 'eshtebah'.
The 'Fekr Konam' Buffer
Always start with 'Fekr konam' (I think) to sound 10x more like a native speaker.
The Ghalat Trap
Never say 'Ghalat mikoni' unless you want to start a fight.
Meaning
Politically telling someone they are wrong.
The 'Fekr Konam' Buffer
Always start with 'Fekr konam' (I think) to sound 10x more like a native speaker.
The Ghalat Trap
Never say 'Ghalat mikoni' unless you want to start a fight.
Plurality is Key
Even if speaking to one person, 'mikonid' shows you have good manners (adab).
Test Yourself
Which phrase is the most polite way to tell a stranger they are wrong?
ببخشید آقا، شما ________.
'Eshtebah mikonid' is the correct formal conjugation for a stranger.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'eshtebah kardan'.
من فکر میکنم تو داری ________.
The sentence uses 'to' (informal you), so 'mikoni' is required.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. اشتباه میکنی 2. اشتباه میکنید
Singular is for family/friends; plural is for respect.
Complete the dialogue.
الف: پایتخت ایران شیراز است. ب: ________، پایتخت ایران تهران است.
The speaker is correcting a factual error.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels of 'You are Wrong'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید آقا، شما ________.
'Eshtebah mikonid' is the correct formal conjugation for a stranger.
من فکر میکنم تو داری ________.
The sentence uses 'to' (informal you), so 'mikoni' is required.
1. اشتباه میکنی 2. اشتباه میکنید
Singular is for family/friends; plural is for respect.
الف: پایتخت ایران شیراز است. ب: ________، پایتخت ایران تهران است.
The speaker is correcting a factual error.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, with close friends use 'eshtebah mikoni'. Using the formal version might make them think you are angry or being sarcastic.
Yes, but you would usually say 'Inja ye eshtebah hast' (There is a mistake here) rather than 'You are making a mistake'.
'Eshtebah' is general. 'Khata' is often used for 'foul' in sports or 'error' in computer programming.
Say 'Man eshtebah kardam'. It's a great way to show humility.
Yes, but use 'Bebakhshid ostad, fekr konam inja ye eshtebah shode' (Excuse me professor, I think a mistake has happened here) to be safest.
No, 'gonah' means sin. 'Eshtebah' is just a mistake.
It's a sign of respect called 'plural of majesty' or 'respectful address'.
Usually, you would use 'mikoni' with children as they are younger than you.
It means 'a pure/total mistake'. Use it for very big blunders.
You can write 'Eshtebah mikoni' (informal) or 'Eshtebah mikonid' (formal).
Related Phrases
اشتباه لپی
specialized formA slip of the tongue
غلط کردن
contrastTo do wrong / To eat dirt (insult)
خطا کردن
synonymTo commit an error
سوءتفاهم
builds onMisunderstanding
