Meaning
To pay attention with one's ears, often in a formal setting.
Cultural Background
In the Iranian judicial system, 'Estemā'' is a formal stage where the judge must listen to all parties. It is a key part of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) integrated into modern law. The root of 'estemā'' is linked to 'Sama', the practice of listening to music and poetry to reach a state of spiritual ecstasy. It's not just hearing; it's a soul-level connection. State media (IRIB) uses 'estemā'' to create a sense of authority and gravity. It signals to the viewer that the content is of national importance. When attending a performance of the 'Radif' (Persian classical system), the audience is expected to 'estemā'' with total silence, often closing their eyes to show deep focus.
Use in Emails
When sending a formal report, write 'امیدوارم مورد استماع و توجه شما قرار گیرد' (I hope it receives your hearing and attention).
Avoid Slang
Never use this in a text message to a friend unless you are being intentionally ironic or funny.
Meaning
To pay attention with one's ears, often in a formal setting.
Use in Emails
When sending a formal report, write 'امیدوارم مورد استماع و توجه شما قرار گیرد' (I hope it receives your hearing and attention).
Avoid Slang
Never use this in a text message to a friend unless you are being intentionally ironic or funny.
The Power of Silence
In Iran, 'estemā'' implies silence. If you are 'estemā'-ing', you should not interrupt.
Legal Recognition
If you see 'جلسه استماع' on a document, it's a deadline. Don't miss it!
Test Yourself
Which word best fits a news anchor introducing a speech?
اکنون به سخنان وزیر امور خارجه _______ فرمایید.
In a formal news broadcast, 'استماع' is the standard professional choice.
Fill in the missing part of the compound verb in a legal context.
قاضی دستور _______ دفاعیات متهم را صادر کرد.
'استماع دفاعیات' is a fixed legal collocation meaning 'hearing the defense'.
Match the verb to the correct situation.
1. Chatting with a friend 2. A court case 3. Hearing a bird by accident
Casual = گوش دادن, Formal/Legal = استماع کردن, Accidental = شنیدن.
Complete the formal invitation.
از شما دعوت میشود جهت _______ تلاوت قرآن در سالن حضور یابید.
Religious and formal events always use 'استماع'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Listening Verbs in Persian
Where you will see 'Estemā''
Legal
- • Courtroom
- • Witnesses
- • Defense
Media
- • News
- • Speeches
- • Radio
Art
- • Poetry
- • Classical Music
- • Opera
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاکنون به سخنان وزیر امور خارجه _______ فرمایید.
In a formal news broadcast, 'استماع' is the standard professional choice.
قاضی دستور _______ دفاعیات متهم را صادر کرد.
'استماع دفاعیات' is a fixed legal collocation meaning 'hearing the defense'.
1. Chatting with a friend 2. A court case 3. Hearing a bird by accident
Casual = گوش دادن, Formal/Legal = استماع کردن, Accidental = شنیدن.
از شما دعوت میشود جهت _______ تلاوت قرآن در سالن حضور یابید.
Religious and formal events always use 'استماع'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsOnly if the podcast is very academic or formal. For a comedy podcast, use 'goosh dādan'.
No, that sounds like your parents are judges. Use 'گوش کردن به حرف والدین'.
'Sam'' is the sense of hearing; 'estemā'' is the act of listening.
Yes, it is equally formal and common in Dari legal and official contexts.
It is 'استماع علنی' (estemā'-e alani).
In a formal review, yes. In a caption like 'Listening to this now', no.
The noun 'estemā'' is usually singular, but 'sessions' would be 'جلسات استماع'.
The root is Arabic, but the usage is deeply embedded in formal Persian.
Indirectly, yes, as listening to a command in a formal setting implies following it.
The opposite would be 'ignore' (نادیده گرفتن) or 'not listen' (گوش ندادن).
Yes, frequently, to describe listening to the divine or a beloved's secrets.
In formal speech, yes. In very casual speech, it might be elided, but you shouldn't use this word casually anyway.
Related Phrases
گوش فرا دادن
synonymTo give ear to; to listen intently
شنود
specialized formWiretapping or surveillance
لبیک گفتن
builds onTo answer a call
اغماض کردن
contrastTo turn a blind eye / ignore
پذیرش
similarAcceptance
