Meaning
Used when offering something or inviting someone to proceed.
Cultural Background
The 'Ta'arof' culture means you might have to say 'Befarmā'id' three times before someone actually enters your house or takes a piece of fruit. It's a test of sincerity. In busy Tehran shops, 'Befarmā'id' is often said very quickly, almost as a command to 'Next in line!' while still maintaining a veneer of politeness. Shirazis are famous for their warmth. A 'Befarmā' in Shiraz is often followed by an invitation to stay for lunch, dinner, and the whole weekend. In a meeting, the most senior person will usually say 'Befarmā'id' to open the floor. Starting to speak before this can be seen as slightly rude.
The Hand Gesture
Always use a flat palm facing up or toward your chest when saying 'Befarmā'id.' Pointing with one finger is considered rude.
Don't be too informal
When in doubt, always use 'Befarmā'id' (the plural). It's never wrong to be too polite in Iran.
Meaning
Used when offering something or inviting someone to proceed.
The Hand Gesture
Always use a flat palm facing up or toward your chest when saying 'Befarmā'id.' Pointing with one finger is considered rude.
Don't be too informal
When in doubt, always use 'Befarmā'id' (the plural). It's never wrong to be too polite in Iran.
The Ta'arof Rule
If someone says 'Befarmā'id' to you in a shop when you try to pay, it's just a formality. Pay anyway!
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct use of 'Befarmā'.
You are at a friend's house and they are standing at the door.
'Befarmā tu' means 'Come in.'
Which form should you use with your Persian teacher?
Handing a paper to your teacher:
'Befarmā'id' is the formal/plural form suitable for teachers.
Fill in the blank to answer the phone politely.
الو؟ سلام، ______؟ (Allo? Salām, _______?)
On the phone, 'Befarmā'id' is the standard polite way to ask 'How can I help you?'
Complete the Ta'arof dance.
Person A: (At the door) 'Befarmā'id!' Person B: 'Na, avval ______!'
The standard response is to invite the other person to go first as well.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The 4 Faces of Befarmā
Offering
- • Tea
- • Money
- • Gifts
Inviting
- • Enter
- • Sit
- • Eat
Listening
- • Phone
- • Knock
- • Clarification
Politeness
- • After you
- • Go ahead
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are at a friend's house and they are standing at the door.
'Befarmā tu' means 'Come in.'
Handing a paper to your teacher:
'Befarmā'id' is the formal/plural form suitable for teachers.
الو؟ سلام، ______؟ (Allo? Salām, _______?)
On the phone, 'Befarmā'id' is the standard polite way to ask 'How can I help you?'
Person A: (At the door) 'Befarmā'id!' Person B: 'Na, avval ______!'
The standard response is to invite the other person to go first as well.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsNo. Use 'Khāhesh mikonam' or 'Ghābeli nadāre' for 'You're welcome.'
No, it is used for a single person to show respect (like 'Vous' in French).
'Befarmā' is singular/informal; 'Befarmā'id' is plural/formal.
It's better to say 'Befarmā'id' to be safe and respectful.
Yes, if you are at a door, it means 'Please come in.'
Say 'Befarmā'id, in ham baghiye-ye puletun.'
Yes, in dialogue in books or in polite emails/letters.
Related Phrases
خواهش میکنم
similarI beg of you / You're welcome
لطفاً
similarPlease
در خدمتم
builds onI am at your service
تشریف بیارید
specialized formPlease bring your presence (Come in)
