Meaning
A request for someone to share personal information or experiences.
Cultural Background
Iranians value personal stories but might be modest due to Ta'arof. If they say 'nothing much', ask again specifically about their work or family. In Dari, the phrase is very similar: 'Az khodat bogo'. The cultural emphasis on hospitality and sharing is identical. Tajik speakers use 'Az khudat gū'. The 'kh' sound is often softer, but the sentiment remains the same. In the diaspora (Tehrangeles, London), this phrase is often used as a way to maintain cultural connection and 'check in' on the community's well-being.
The 'Kami' Trick
Add 'kami' (a little) to the start: 'Kami az khodat begoo'. It makes the request sound less heavy and more casual.
Watch the 'Kh'
Don't pronounce 'kh' as 'k'. It's a throat sound. If you say 'kodat', people might not understand you.
Meaning
A request for someone to share personal information or experiences.
The 'Kami' Trick
Add 'kami' (a little) to the start: 'Kami az khodat begoo'. It makes the request sound less heavy and more casual.
Watch the 'Kh'
Don't pronounce 'kh' as 'k'. It's a throat sound. If you say 'kodat', people might not understand you.
Expect 'Salamati'
If someone answers 'Salamati' (health), it means 'nothing special'. Follow up with a specific question!
Test Yourself
Which one is the most natural way to ask a friend to tell you about themselves?
خیلی وقت است ندیدمت، ________.
'Az khodat begoo' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Fill in the blank with the correct formal form of 'yourself'.
آقای مدیر، لطفاً از ________ بگید.
When speaking to a manager (formal), use 'khodetoon'.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: سلام علی! چه خبر؟ علی: سلامتی. تو چه خبر؟ ________.
After 'Che khabar?', 'Az khodat begoo' is the most natural follow-up.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a job interview.
Interviews require the formal plural form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use which form
Informal
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Classmates
Formal
- • Boss
- • Professor
- • Elderly relatives
Practice Bank
4 exercisesخیلی وقت است ندیدمت، ________.
'Az khodat begoo' is the standard idiomatic expression.
آقای مدیر، لطفاً از ________ بگید.
When speaking to a manager (formal), use 'khodetoon'.
سارا: سلام علی! چه خبر؟ علی: سلامتی. تو چه خبر؟ ________.
After 'Che khabar?', 'Az khodat begoo' is the most natural follow-up.
Situation: You are at a job interview.
Interviews require the formal plural form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, you can, but 'az' is much more common in spoken Persian.
Not at all! It's very friendly. Just use the formal version for elders.
Start with 'خب' (well) and mention one or two things about your work, studies, or hobbies.
از خودتون بگید (Az khodetoon begid).
Yes, but in a much more casual, conversational way.
Related Phrases
چه خبر؟
similarWhat's news?
تعریف کن
synonymTell the story
معرفی کردن
specialized formTo introduce
در مورد خودت بگو
similarTell about yourself
