Meaning
Used to express a dislike or lack of enjoyment for something.
Cultural Background
Iranians often use 'softeners' like 'ziyad' (much) to avoid sounding too harsh. Saying 'I don't like it very much' is often a polite way of saying 'I don't like it at all.' In Tehran, the spoken 'ro' or 'o' is almost universal. Using 'ra' in a casual conversation can make you sound like a textbook or a news anchor. When you are a guest, avoid this phrase for anything the host has prepared. It is better to blame your lack of appetite than your lack of liking. In poetry, 'dust' is a heavy word. Using 'dust nadaram' for a person is a very strong statement of rejection, much stronger than for an object.
The 'Ro' Rule
If you want to sound like a local, always use 'o' or 'ro' instead of 'ra' in conversation.
Don't be too blunt
In someone's home, use 'Meyl nadaram' (I don't have an appetite) instead of 'Dust nadaram' to be polite.
Meaning
Used to express a dislike or lack of enjoyment for something.
The 'Ro' Rule
If you want to sound like a local, always use 'o' or 'ro' instead of 'ra' in conversation.
Don't be too blunt
In someone's home, use 'Meyl nadaram' (I don't have an appetite) instead of 'Dust nadaram' to be polite.
Softening with 'Ziyad'
Add 'ziyad' (much) to make your dislike sound less aggressive: 'In ra ziyad dust nadaram.'
Ta'arof and Dislike
Sometimes Iranians say they like something just to be polite. Look for hesitation or a lack of enthusiasm!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing object marker and negative verb part.
من این کتاب ___ دوست ___.
The object 'this book' needs 'ra' and the negative of 'to like' is 'dust nadaram'.
Which sentence is the most natural spoken version of 'I don't like this'?
Which one would you say to a friend?
In spoken Persian, 'in ra' becomes 'in-o'.
Complete the dialogue politely.
فروشنده: این پیرهن قرمز چطور است؟ شما: ببخشید، من ___.
'In ra dust nadaram' is the most neutral and polite way to express dislike to a shopkeeper.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
'In' = this, 'An' = that, 'nadaram' = don't have/like.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Spoken
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن این کتاب ___ دوست ___.
The object 'this book' needs 'ra' and the negative of 'to like' is 'dust nadaram'.
Which one would you say to a friend?
In spoken Persian, 'in ra' becomes 'in-o'.
فروشنده: این پیرهن قرمز چطور است؟ شما: ببخشید، من ___.
'In ra dust nadaram' is the most neutral and polite way to express dislike to a shopkeeper.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'In' = this, 'An' = that, 'nadaram' = don't have/like.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's very strong. 'U ra dust nadaram' means 'I don't like/love him/her.'
Yes, if the object is definite (like 'this' or a specific book).
'Dust nadaram' is more about a stable preference, while 'khosham nemiyad' is more about an immediate feeling or vibe.
Use 'Az in متنفرم' (Az in motenaferam).
No, you must include 'ra' or 'o'.
Use the infinitive: 'Dorough goftan ra dust nadaram' (I don't like telling lies).
Yes, it's perfectly fine and helpful when choosing a dish.
The opposite is 'این را دوست دارم' (In ra dust daram).
In Persian, 'dust dashtan' covers both 'like' and 'love' depending on context.
Add 'aslan': 'Aslan in ra dust nadaram.'
Related Phrases
خوشم نمیآید
synonymI don't like it / It doesn't please me
بدم میآید
specialized formI dislike/hate it
متنفرم
contrastI hate
میل ندارم
similarI don't have an inclination/appetite
نمیپسندم
formalI do not approve/like
