Meaning
Asking about someone's health condition.
Cultural Background
Asking about health is a key part of 'Ta'arof'. Even if you know someone is sick, asking politely shows you care about their 'Hâl' (state). In Dari, 'Mariz' is also used, but 'Nâjor' (unwell) is very common in spoken contexts. Tajik uses 'Kasal' (from Arabic) more frequently than 'Mariz' in many regions. Iranians often categorize illnesses by 'Garmí' (hot) and 'Sardí' (cold). A person might answer your question by saying 'Sardیم شده' (I've become cold).
Drop the Âyâ
In 99% of conversations, you don't need 'Âyâ'. Just use intonation.
The Ta'arof Response
If they say 'No' but look terrible, ask again politely.
Meaning
Asking about someone's health condition.
Drop the Âyâ
In 99% of conversations, you don't need 'Âyâ'. Just use intonation.
The Ta'arof Response
If they say 'No' but look terrible, ask again politely.
Don't use with kids
It sounds too formal. Use 'Marizi?' for children.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal question.
آیا شما ____ هستید؟
The context of the lesson is asking about being sick.
Which is the most formal way to ask 'Are you sick?'
Choose the correct option:
The use of 'Âyâ' and the full verb 'hastid' makes it the most formal.
Complete the dialogue between a doctor and a patient.
Doctor: سلام. ____؟ Patient: بله، تب دارم.
In a medical setting, the formal inquiry is most appropriate.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking to your boss who looks unwell.
You must use formal language with a superior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesآیا شما ____ هستید؟
The context of the lesson is asking about being sick.
Choose the correct option:
The use of 'Âyâ' and the full verb 'hastid' makes it the most formal.
Doctor: سلام. ____؟ Patient: بله، تب دارم.
In a medical setting, the formal inquiry is most appropriate.
Situation: You are talking to your boss who looks unwell.
You must use formal language with a superior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'Bimâr' is more formal/medical, and 'Nâkhosh' is more literary.
Yes, it is the perfect level of respect for a teacher.
It's a question marker that signals a Yes/No question is coming.
The informal version is 'Marizi?' (مریضی؟).
No, Persian adjectives do not have gender.
You say 'Man mariz hastam' or simply 'Marizam'.
No, in Iran it is considered caring and polite.
Use 'Khasteh hastid?' instead.
Yes, it's very common in formal emails.
Say 'Bale, kami marizam' (Yes, I'm a bit sick) or 'Na, khubam' (No, I'm fine).
Related Phrases
حالتان چطور است؟
similarHow is your health/state?
کسالت دارید؟
specialized formAre you indisposed?
خدا بد نده
builds onMay God not give you evil.
سرما خوردهاید؟
specialized formDo you have a cold?
