Meaning
Politically extending an invitation to someone.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means that an invitation is often offered multiple times. Even if you use this formal phrase, the guest might decline twice before accepting. This is not a rejection, but a display of humility. In the capital's corporate world, this phrase is used to maintain a 'professional distance' (faseleh-ye herfe'i). It signals that the meeting is strictly business and follows international protocols. In Afghanistan, the phrase is also used but might be followed by 'tashrif biaren' more frequently than in Iran. The level of hospitality is equally high, and the formal 'shoma' is mandatory for elders. Tajik Persian uses 'da'vat kardan' but in a more Soviet-influenced formal style. You might see it in official government invitations more than in daily social life compared to Iran.
The 'Plural' Trick
Even if you are inviting someone alone, using 'Az shoma davat mikonim' (We invite you) makes it sound more formal and less personal, which is often preferred in business.
Avoid 'Ro'
While 'Shoma ro davat mikonam' is understood, it marks you as a beginner. Stick to 'Az shoma' for a more native sound.
Meaning
Politically extending an invitation to someone.
The 'Plural' Trick
Even if you are inviting someone alone, using 'Az shoma davat mikonim' (We invite you) makes it sound more formal and less personal, which is often preferred in business.
Avoid 'Ro'
While 'Shoma ro davat mikonam' is understood, it marks you as a beginner. Stick to 'Az shoma' for a more native sound.
The Follow-up
After saying this, always follow up with 'Baa'ese eftekhaare' (It would be an honor) to seal the invitation with extra politeness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition for a formal invitation.
من ___ شما دعوت میکنم که به جلسه بیایید.
The verb 'da'vat kardan' always takes the preposition 'az' when referring to the person being invited.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a wedding invitation?
Select the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and plural 'we' (inviting as a couple).
Complete the host's line in this formal TV show intro.
مجری: سلام دوستان. امروز مهمان ویژهای داریم. از ایشان ___ که به روی صحنه بیایند.
'Davat mikonam' is the standard way for a host to bring a guest onto the stage.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
Match: 1. Tashrif biarid, 2. Az shoma da'vat mikonam, 3. Bia
'Tashrif biarid' is high Ta'arof for guests, 'Az shoma da'vat mikonam' is professional, and 'Bia' is for friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ___ شما دعوت میکنم که به جلسه بیایید.
The verb 'da'vat kardan' always takes the preposition 'az' when referring to the person being invited.
Select the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and plural 'we' (inviting as a couple).
مجری: سلام دوستان. امروز مهمان ویژهای داریم. از ایشان ___ که به روی صحنه بیایند.
'Davat mikonam' is the standard way for a host to bring a guest onto the stage.
Match: 1. Tashrif biarid, 2. Az shoma da'vat mikonam, 3. Bia
'Tashrif biarid' is high Ta'arof for guests, 'Az shoma da'vat mikonam' is professional, and 'Bia' is for friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no, it's too formal. However, you might use it jokingly if you are hosting a very fancy dinner for them.
No, for that use 'zang zadan'. 'Da'vat' is only for invitations to events or actions.
'Ehzar' is a legal summons (like to court). 'Da'vat' is a social or professional invitation.
No, the verb ending '-am' already tells us it's 'I'. Dropping 'man' is more natural.
Use the passive form: 'Man davat shodam'.
In formal texts or emails, yes. In casual WhatsApp messages, people usually just say 'Bia'.
The phrase stays the same because 'shoma' is both singular (formal) and plural.
It's a bit stiff for a date. Better to say 'Mikhay ba ham berim birun?' (Do you want to go out together?)
Yes, if you are the interviewer inviting the candidate to speak or enter a room.
'Az huzur-e an janab davat be 'amal mi-ayad' is extremely formal/archaic.
Related Phrases
تشریف آوردن
similarTo come (honorific)
فراخواندن
specialized formTo summon
پذیرایی کردن
builds onTo host/entertain
رد کردن دعوت
contrastTo decline an invitation
کارت دعوت
relatedInvitation card
