Meaning
An inquiry about an event or situation.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' is central here. Using 'Befarmāyid' isn't just about being polite; it's about acknowledging the other person's 'face' and social standing before asking for information. In Dari, 'Befarmāyid' is also used, but you might hear 'Chi gap ast?' (What is the talk/news?) more frequently in casual polite settings. Tajik Persian uses 'Farmoyed' (فرموئید) similarly, but the influence of Russian has made some inquiries more direct in urban areas. In modern Tehran, young people might shorten 'Befarmāyid' to a very quick 'Befarmāid' or even just a nod with 'Chi shode?', but 'Befarmāyid' remains the gold standard for respect.
The Power of Tone
Say it with a rising intonation at the end to make it a question, and keep your voice soft to show genuine concern.
Don't Over-Ta'arof
If you use this with your younger brother, he might think you're making fun of him. Just use 'Chi shode?' there.
Meaning
An inquiry about an event or situation.
The Power of Tone
Say it with a rising intonation at the end to make it a question, and keep your voice soft to show genuine concern.
Don't Over-Ta'arof
If you use this with your younger brother, he might think you're making fun of him. Just use 'Chi shode?' there.
Add 'Jan-am'
Adding 'Jan-am' (My soul/dear) before the phrase makes it incredibly warm and comforting for friends and family.
Body Language
Slightly tilting your head and placing a hand near your heart while saying this is a very Persian way to show sincerity.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is the most polite way to ask a stranger what happened?
شما یک نفر را در خیابان میبینید که گریه میکند. چه میگویید؟
Option C is the most respectful and standard way to address a stranger in this situation.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'shodan'.
ببخشید خانم، بفرمایید چی ________؟
We use the third-person singular present perfect 'shode' to refer to 'the event' that happened.
Complete the dialogue in a professional setting.
کارمند: سلام رئیس. رئیس: سلام، ________؟
A boss speaking to an employee in a professional Persian environment would use the polite 'Befarmāyid'.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
Match 'بفرمایید چی شده؟' with its register.
The use of 'Befarmāyid' and the plural ending 'id' marks this as formal and polite.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'What Happened?'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesشما یک نفر را در خیابان میبینید که گریه میکند. چه میگویید؟
Option C is the most respectful and standard way to address a stranger in this situation.
ببخشید خانم، بفرمایید چی ________؟
We use the third-person singular present perfect 'shode' to refer to 'the event' that happened.
کارمند: سلام رئیس. رئیس: سلام، ________؟
A boss speaking to an employee in a professional Persian environment would use the polite 'Befarmāyid'.
Match 'بفرمایید چی شده؟' with its register.
The use of 'Befarmāyid' and the plural ending 'id' marks this as formal and polite.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo! 'Befarmāyid' can mean 'Please come in', 'Please eat', 'Please sit', or 'Here you go' (when giving something). Context is everything.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase for a boss. It shows respect while being helpful.
'Chi shod?' is 'What happened?' (past). 'Chi shode?' is 'What has happened?' (present perfect). Use 'shode' if the situation is still ongoing or the person is still upset.
Yes, if someone knocks on your door or starts to say something, just saying 'Befarmāyid?' means 'Yes, please go ahead.'
You can start with 'هیچی...' (Nothing...) if it's minor, or just explain the situation directly.
Yes, but usually in dialogue. Narrative text would use 'پرسید که چه اتفاقی افتاده است'.
It's a bit formal for a child. Better to say 'چی شده عزیزم؟' (Chi shode azizam?).
Because of 'Befarmāyid', it sounds helpful rather than nosy. It’s all about the delivery.
Just 'Chi shode?' is fine, but add a polite 'bebakhshid' (excuse me) at the beginning.
Slang would be 'Che khabar?' or 'Che marg-ete?' (but the latter is an insult).
Related Phrases
چی شده؟
similarWhat happened?
چه خبر؟
similarWhat's the news? / What's up?
در خدمتم
builds onI am at your service.
امر بفرمایید
specialized formPlease give your command.
اتفاقی افتاده؟
synonymHas an event fallen (happened)?
