Meaning
Expressing ability or capacity to perform a task.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a cornerstone of Ta'arof. Even if you aren't sure you can help, saying 'Let's see what comes from my hand' shows good character. In Dari, the phrase is also used but sometimes 'از دستم پوره است' (It is full/complete from my hand) is used for total capability. Tajik speakers use 'از دستم میآید' (without the 'bar' prefix more often), reflecting a slightly different evolution of the verb. In Iranian business, using this phrase shows you are a 'team player' rather than just a 'skilled worker.' It emphasizes the willingness to use your agency for the group.
The Subjunctive Shift
When using this after 'if' (agar) or 'I hope' (omīdvāram), change 'barmī-āyad' to 'barbiāyad'.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'I can lift this,' use 'mītavānam.' Use 'az dastam barmī-āyad' for more complex tasks or favors.
Meaning
Expressing ability or capacity to perform a task.
The Subjunctive Shift
When using this after 'if' (agar) or 'I hope' (omīdvāram), change 'barmī-āyad' to 'barbiāyad'.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'I can lift this,' use 'mītavānam.' Use 'az dastam barmī-āyad' for more complex tasks or favors.
The Power of 'No'
Using the negative form is the most polite way to refuse a request in Iran. It sounds less like a rejection of the person and more like a limitation of reality.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
ببخشید، من در این مورد تخصصی ندارم و کاری از ______ برنمیآید.
The speaker is talking about themselves ('من'), so the suffix must be '-am' (my).
Which sentence is the most polite way to offer help?
How do you say 'If I can help, let me know'?
This uses the idiomatic phrase which is the standard polite way to offer help in Persian.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: میتوانی این لپتاپ را تعمیر کنی؟ رضا: بله، فکر کنم این کار از ______.
The verb must be in the present tense 'bar-mī-āyad' and conjugated for the 3rd person (the task).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'کاری از دستم برنمیآید' to the correct context.
The phrase expresses helplessness in a situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، من در این مورد تخصصی ندارم و کاری از ______ برنمیآید.
The speaker is talking about themselves ('من'), so the suffix must be '-am' (my).
How do you say 'If I can help, let me know'?
This uses the idiomatic phrase which is the standard polite way to offer help in Persian.
علی: میتوانی این لپتاپ را تعمیر کنی؟ رضا: بله، فکر کنم این کار از ______.
The verb must be in the present tense 'bar-mī-āyad' and conjugated for the 3rd person (the task).
Match 'کاری از دستم برنمیآید' to the correct context.
The phrase expresses helplessness in a situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds a bit poetic. For lifting weights, 'mītavānam' is better.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The past tense is 'az dastam bar-āmad' (it was within my power).
You can say 'Har che az dastam barbiāyad anjām mīdaham.'
In Persian culture, the hand is the symbol of doing and giving.
Yes! Just change the suffix: 'az dastash' (from his/her hand).
Yes, it's a more formal way to say 'I can't do it.'
No, for languages use 'baladam' or 'mītavānam harf bezanam.'
That's exactly 'az dastam barmī-āyad' in the negative: 'az dastam khārej ast' or 'kārī az dastam bar-namī-āyad.'
Usually, yes. It implies both capability and a degree of willingness.
Related Phrases
از پس کاری برآمدن
similarTo manage/cope with a task
دست و پا کردن
builds onTo scramble/find a way
توانایی داشتن
synonymTo have ability
کاری از پیش نبردن
contrastTo get nowhere/not succeed
در توان کسی بودن
similarTo be in someone's power
