Meaning
A question to ask about someone's immediate past location.
Cultural Background
Asking about someone's journey is a standard part of hospitality. It shows you care about the effort they made to visit you. In the capital, this question is often followed by a discussion about traffic, which is a universal bonding topic for Tehranis. Shirazis are known for their relaxed nature. Asking this might lead to an invitation to sit down and have some 'Faloudeh'. In Dari, the verb might sound slightly different, and 'Az koja mi-āyed?' is used with a similar level of frequency and politeness.
The 'Mi' Prefix
Always include 'mi-' to show the action is happening now. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Don't forget 'Az'
Without 'az', the sentence changes meaning or becomes ungrammatical. It's the most important word for 'from'.
Meaning
A question to ask about someone's immediate past location.
The 'Mi' Prefix
Always include 'mi-' to show the action is happening now. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Don't forget 'Az'
Without 'az', the sentence changes meaning or becomes ungrammatical. It's the most important word for 'from'.
Use with 'Khaste Nabashid'
When someone arrives, say 'Khaste nabashid, az koja mi-āyid?' to sound like a native speaker.
Ta'arof Alert
If someone asks this and then offers you tea, it's a standard polite sequence. You should accept the tea after the second or third offer!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask 'Where are you coming from?' formally.
شما ___ کجا میآیید؟
'Az' means 'from', which is required to indicate the starting point of the journey.
Which of these is the informal version of the phrase?
Which one would you say to a close friend?
'Mi-āy' is the informal second-person singular conjugation of 'āmadan'.
Complete the dialogue.
Person A: سلام! از کجا میآیید؟ Person B: سلام! من از ________ میآیم.
The question asks for a location, so 'Tehran' is the only logical answer.
Match the phrase to the correct formality level.
Phrase: 'جنابعالی از کجا تشریف میآورید؟'
The use of 'Janab-e ali' and 'tashrif āvardan' indicates a very high level of respect (Ta'arof).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesشما ___ کجا میآیید؟
'Az' means 'from', which is required to indicate the starting point of the journey.
Which one would you say to a close friend?
'Mi-āy' is the informal second-person singular conjugation of 'āmadan'.
Person A: سلام! از کجا میآیید؟ Person B: سلام! من از ________ میآیم.
The question asks for a location, so 'Tehran' is the only logical answer.
Phrase: 'جنابعالی از کجا تشریف میآورید؟'
The use of 'Janab-e ali' and 'tashrif āvardan' indicates a very high level of respect (Ta'arof).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's possible but not the best way. Use 'Ahl-e koja hastid?' for nationality.
'mi-āyid' is 'are coming' (present), 'āmadid' is 'came' (past).
Yes, the '-id' ending makes it formal and respectful.
Use the informal: 'Az koja mi-āy?'
Yes, that is the common spoken Tehrani version of 'mi-āyid'.
Yes, it is the standard word for 'where' in Persian.
'Az' indicates the source or origin of the movement.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in Dari Persian.
Say 'Koja miravid?'
Not usually, especially if they have just arrived at a shared location like a bus stop or office.
Say 'Az [Place] mi-āyam'. For example, 'Az khane mi-āyam' (I'm coming from home).
It's more common in spoken language, but okay in a friendly email if someone just returned from a trip.
Related Phrases
اهل کجا هستید؟
similarWhere are you from (origin)?
کجا میروید؟
contrastWhere are you going?
خوش آمدید
builds onWelcome
خسته نباشید
builds onDon't be tired
تشریف میآورید
specialized formYou are coming (very formal)
