Meaning
Indicating that something is inaccurate or false.
Cultural Background
Iranians often use 'Fekr konam' (I think) before 'Eshtebāhe' to avoid sounding too aggressive. This is part of the 'Ta'arof' system. In the fast-paced bazaar, corrections are very direct. Merchants will shout 'Eshtebāhe!' to quickly fix pricing errors. In universities, students use 'Eshtebāh ast' to maintain a respectful distance from professors. On Persian Twitter/Instagram, 'Eshtebāhe' is used to debunk fake news or 'fake' lifestyle posts.
Soften the Blow
Always add 'Fekr konam' (I think) before 'Eshtebāhe' to sound like a native speaker who respects Ta'arof.
Don't call people 'Eshtebāh'
Never say 'To eshtebāhi'. It sounds like you're saying their existence is a mistake. Say 'To eshtebāh mikoni'.
Meaning
Indicating that something is inaccurate or false.
Soften the Blow
Always add 'Fekr konam' (I think) before 'Eshtebāhe' to sound like a native speaker who respects Ta'arof.
Don't call people 'Eshtebāh'
Never say 'To eshtebāhi'. It sounds like you're saying their existence is a mistake. Say 'To eshtebāh mikoni'.
The 'Ghalat' Trap
Avoid 'Ghalate' with elders; it's too blunt. Stick to 'Eshtebāhe' or 'Dorost nist'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'This number is wrong' in informal Persian.
این عدد ______.
'Eshtebāhe' is the correct word for 'is wrong'.
Which is the most polite way to tell a teacher their calculation might be wrong?
ببخشید استاد، فکر کنم این عدد...
'Dorost nist' (is not correct) is the softest and most polite option.
Match the Persian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ساعت ۵ بریم؟ B: نه، ساعت ۵ ______، من کار دارم.
In this context, B is saying the suggested time is 'wrong' or 'not possible'.
In which situation would you say 'Eshtebāhe'?
Select the best situation:
'Eshtebāhe' is used for factual errors like money.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Eshtebāh vs. Ghalat
Practice Bank
5 exercisesاین عدد ______.
'Eshtebāhe' is the correct word for 'is wrong'.
ببخشید استاد، فکر کنم این عدد...
'Dorost nist' (is not correct) is the softest and most polite option.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
A: ساعت ۵ بریم؟ B: نه، ساعت ۵ ______، من کار دارم.
In this context, B is saying the suggested time is 'wrong' or 'not possible'.
Select the best situation:
'Eshtebāhe' is used for factual errors like money.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is informal because of the '-e' suffix. The formal version is 'Eshtebāh ast'.
No, use 'Eshtebāh mikoni' (You are making a mistake).
'Eshtebāh' is a mistake/confusion; 'Ghalat' is more about being incorrect or even 'wrong' in a harsher sense.
Say 'Eshtebāh nist'.
Better to use the formal 'Eshtebāh ast' or 'Dorost nist'.
Not inherently, but it's more polite to add 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) first.
Related Phrases
غلطه
synonymIt's wrong/incorrect
درست نیست
contrastIt's not correct
اشتباه کردی
builds onYou made a mistake
خطاست
specialized formIt's a foul/error
سهو
similarOversight
