Meaning
Used to ask about the person accompanying or involved.
Cultural Background
When you ask 'با چه کسی؟' regarding a guest, the host might answer 'با قدمهایشان' (with their steps), a poetic way of saying the person is welcome regardless of who they are. In more traditional circles, people might use 'با خانواده' (with family) as a generic answer to 'با چه کسی؟' to maintain a level of privacy about specific female relatives. Asking 'With whom?' can sometimes be a lead-in to offering help or joining. If someone is alone, an Iranian might feel obligated to offer companionship. On Iranian Instagram, it's common to see 'با چه کسی؟' in comments on travel photos, often as a way to start a conversation or express interest in the user's social life.
The 'Ki' Shortcut
If you are struggling with 'che kasi', just use 'ki'. It's shorter and 90% of Iranians use it in daily life.
Object vs. Person
Always double-check if you are asking about a person. If it's a tool or a thing, 'kasi' will sound very strange.
Meaning
Used to ask about the person accompanying or involved.
The 'Ki' Shortcut
If you are struggling with 'che kasi', just use 'ki'. It's shorter and 90% of Iranians use it in daily life.
Object vs. Person
Always double-check if you are asking about a person. If it's a tool or a thing, 'kasi' will sound very strange.
Polite Plurals
When asking about a respected elder, you might use 'با چه کسانی' even if they are alone, to show extra respect.
Verb Placement
Keep the phrase close to the verb or at the very start for the most natural flow.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to ask 'With whom did you go?'
شما ___ به مهمانی رفتید؟
We need 'with' (bā) to indicate accompaniment.
Which one is the informal version of 'با چه کسی'?
کدام گزینه غیررسمی است؟
'Bā ki' is the standard spoken/informal contraction.
Complete the dialogue.
الف: من فردا به سفر میروم. ب: ________؟ الف: با برادرم.
The answer 'With my brother' indicates the question was 'With whom?'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: A formal business meeting inquiry.
This is the most appropriate formal way to ask about professional partnership.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesشما ___ به مهمانی رفتید؟
We need 'with' (bā) to indicate accompaniment.
کدام گزینه غیررسمی است؟
'Bā ki' is the standard spoken/informal contraction.
الف: من فردا به سفر میروم. ب: ________؟ الف: با برادرم.
The answer 'With my brother' indicates the question was 'With whom?'.
Context: A formal business meeting inquiry.
This is the most appropriate formal way to ask about professional partnership.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, 'kasi' specifically refers to a person. For animals or things, use 'با چه چیزی'.
It's better to use 'با چه کسی' or 'با چه شخصی' to sound more professional.
Use 'با چه کسانی؟' (bā che kasāni).
'Hamrāh-e ki' is slightly more descriptive, emphasizing the act of accompanying.
Yes, but ensure your tone is polite. Adding 'ببخشید' (excuse me) helps.
It is the indefinite marker, making it 'which *a* person'.
Yes, 'با چه کسی صحبت میکنی؟' is the correct way to say that.
Usually, the verb agrees with the subject (you), not the people you are with.
Only in poetry or very old literature. You won't hear it in modern streets.
Usually 'با [Name]' or 'تنها' (alone).
Say 'با کدام دوست؟' (bā kodām dust).
Yes, but 'با کی' is more common in texting.
Related Phrases
با هم
similarTogether
تنها
contrastAlone
به همراهِ
specialized formAlong with
با چه چیزی؟
contrastWith what thing?
با کی؟
synonymWith who? (Informal)
در کنارِ
similarBeside / Alongside
