Meaning
A polite invitation to enter a place.
Cultural Background
In Iran, you might have to say 'Befarma'id' three or four times before someone actually enters or takes a piece of fruit. This is not because they don't want it, but because it's polite to refuse at first. In a professional meeting, the person with the highest status will usually be the one to say 'Befarma'id' to signal the start of the meeting or to allow others to speak. Iranians believe 'A guest is God's friend.' Therefore, 'Befarma'id' is said with a warm smile and often a hand over the heart to show sincerity.
The Double Befarma'id
Repeating the word twice ('Befarma'id, befarma'id') makes you sound much more natural and genuinely hospitable.
Don't use for requests
If you want a coffee, don't say 'Befarma'id coffee.' Say 'Lotfan yek ghahve'.
Meaning
A polite invitation to enter a place.
The Double Befarma'id
Repeating the word twice ('Befarma'id, befarma'id') makes you sound much more natural and genuinely hospitable.
Don't use for requests
If you want a coffee, don't say 'Befarma'id coffee.' Say 'Lotfan yek ghahve'.
The Hand Gesture
Always gesture with an open palm toward the object or door when saying this. Pointing with one finger is considered rude.
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct use of 'Befarma'id'.
You are at a bakery and the baker hands you your bread.
The person giving or offering the item says 'Befarma'id'.
Complete the sentence to invite a guest inside.
سلام! خوش آمدید، _________ تو.
The plural/formal 'Befarma'id' is the standard polite way to welcome guests.
Which of these is NOT a correct use of 'Befarma'id'?
Select the incorrect context:
You use 'Lotfan' to ask for things, not 'Befarma'id'.
Complete the Ta'arof exchange.
Person A: 'Befarma'id too.' Person B: '_________'
In Ta'arof, it is polite to insist the other person goes first.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Befarma'id
Invitations
- • At the door
- • Into a car
- • To a seat
Food
- • Start eating
- • Take a fruit
- • Drink tea
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are at a bakery and the baker hands you your bread.
The person giving or offering the item says 'Befarma'id'.
سلام! خوش آمدید، _________ تو.
The plural/formal 'Befarma'id' is the standard polite way to welcome guests.
Select the incorrect context:
You use 'Lotfan' to ask for things, not 'Befarma'id'.
Person A: 'Befarma'id too.' Person B: '_________'
In Ta'arof, it is polite to insist the other person goes first.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, when you are handing him the money, it is very polite to say 'Befarma'id, agha.'
It's not slang, but it is colloquial. It's perfectly fine for everyday speech with people you know.
Usually 'Mersi' or 'Mamnoon'. If you are doing Ta'arof at a door, you say 'Khahesh mikonam, aval shoma'.
Related Phrases
خواهش میکنم
similarI beg of you / You're welcome
لطفاً
similarPlease
خوش آمدید
builds onWelcome
