Meaning
Expressing disagreement or doubt about a statement or idea.
Cultural Background
Directly saying 'No' can be considered 'bi-adab' (rude). 'Intowr fekr nemikonam' is the linguistic lubricant that keeps social gears turning. In the fast-paced capital, the informal 'Injoori fekr nemikonam' is ubiquitous in cafes and tech offices, signaling a modern but still polite identity. During negotiations, this phrase is used to signal that a proposal is unacceptable without ending the negotiation entirely. Students use this with professors to show they are thinking critically while maintaining the required 'Eshteram' (respect) for the teacher.
The 'Shayad' Sandwich
To sound like a native, start with 'Shayad' (Maybe) and end with 'Intowr fekr nemikonam.' It’s the ultimate polite disagreement.
Don't forget the 'ne-'
If you say 'Intowr fekr mikonam,' you are saying 'I think so.' That one little 'ne-' changes everything!
Meaning
Expressing disagreement or doubt about a statement or idea.
The 'Shayad' Sandwich
To sound like a native, start with 'Shayad' (Maybe) and end with 'Intowr fekr nemikonam.' It’s the ultimate polite disagreement.
Don't forget the 'ne-'
If you say 'Intowr fekr mikonam,' you are saying 'I think so.' That one little 'ne-' changes everything!
Body Language
When saying this, a slight tilt of the head or a small smile helps convey that you are being polite, not stubborn.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
من ________ فکر نمیکنم.
'Intowr' (this way) is the standard component of this phrase.
Which response is the most polite way to disagree?
دوست شما میگوید: 'این رستوران خیلی بد است.' شما مخالف هستید.
Adding 'Bebakhshid' and using the full phrase is the most culturally appropriate way to disagree.
Fill in the missing line in this conversation.
سارا: به نظر من فردا هوا آفتابی است. علی: ________. اخبار گفت باران میبارد.
Ali is disagreeing based on the news he heard.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match 'اینجوری فکر نمیکنم' with its best context.
'Injoori' is the informal version of 'Intowr,' best for family and friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ________ فکر نمیکنم.
'Intowr' (this way) is the standard component of this phrase.
دوست شما میگوید: 'این رستوران خیلی بد است.' شما مخالف هستید.
Adding 'Bebakhshid' and using the full phrase is the most culturally appropriate way to disagree.
سارا: به نظر من فردا هوا آفتابی است. علی: ________. اخبار گفت باران میبارد.
Ali is disagreeing based on the news he heard.
Match 'اینجوری فکر نمیکنم' with its best context.
'Injoori' is the informal version of 'Intowr,' best for family and friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it's very common and slightly less formal. 'Intowr' just adds a bit of 'this way' emphasis.
Yes, 'Injoori' is the spoken/informal version. Use 'Intowr' in writing and 'Injoori' when talking to friends.
Use 'Intowr fekr nemikardam' (I didn't think so).
In Dari (Afghanistan), they might say 'In-tawr fikr name-kunam.' In Tajik, it's 'In khel fikr namekunam.' The logic is the same.
No, it's actually one of the most polite ways to disagree with an elder. Just add 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) at the start.
Related Phrases
به نظر من (Be nazar-e man)
similarIn my opinion
اشتباه میکنی (Eshtebah mikoni)
contrastYou are making a mistake / You are wrong
موافقم (Movafegham)
contrastI agree
شاید (Shayad)
builds onPerhaps / Maybe
