Meaning
A request to convey a message to another person.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means that even a simple request like 'tell him' should be wrapped in layers of politeness to avoid sounding demanding. In Tehran, 'be o' (to him/her) is almost always shortened to 'behesh' in speech, even in semi-formal contexts. In Dari, the formal plural is also used, but the pronunciation of 'u' might sound more like 'o'. Using a messenger (a secretary or colleague) is a standard way to maintain professional distance in Iranian offices.
The 'Ke' Connector
Always use 'ke' (که) after 'beguyid' if you are following it with a full sentence (e.g., Tell him *that* I am coming).
Singular vs. Plural
Even if you are talking to one person, use 'beguyid' to be safe and polite. 'Begu' is only for very close friends.
Meaning
A request to convey a message to another person.
The 'Ke' Connector
Always use 'ke' (که) after 'beguyid' if you are following it with a full sentence (e.g., Tell him *that* I am coming).
Singular vs. Plural
Even if you are talking to one person, use 'beguyid' to be safe and polite. 'Begu' is only for very close friends.
Greetings First
In Iran, it's polite to ask 'How are you?' before saying 'Tell him...'. Don't be too direct!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct formal imperative form of 'to say'.
لطفاً به او ________. (say)
The formal/polite imperative ends in '-id'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate to use with your boss?
Asking your boss to tell a client something:
This uses 'Ishun' (respectful pronoun) and 'Tashrif biavarand' (honorific for 'come').
Match the Persian phrase to its register.
Registers and Phrases
Matches correctly based on verb endings and pronoun choice.
Complete the dialogue politely.
A: علی آقا نیستند. B: اشکالی ندارد. لطفاً ________ من فردا میآیم.
'Ke' (that) is needed to connect the two clauses.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً به او ________. (say)
The formal/polite imperative ends in '-id'.
Asking your boss to tell a client something:
This uses 'Ishun' (respectful pronoun) and 'Tashrif biavarand' (honorific for 'come').
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches correctly based on verb endings and pronoun choice.
A: علی آقا نیستند. B: اشکالی ندارد. لطفاً ________ من فردا میآیم.
'Ke' (that) is needed to connect the two clauses.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'u' (او) is gender-neutral in Persian and means both 'him' and 'her'.
No, it's just informal. Use it with friends, but avoid it with teachers or bosses.
Change 'u' to 'anha' (آنها). So: 'Be anha beguyid'.
The 'y' is a buffer sound to separate the 'u' and 'i' vowels.
Yes, it's very common in professional emails when asking someone to relay info.
Change 'be-' to 'na-': 'Be o naguyid'.
No, 'befarmayid' is much more formal and honorific.
Yes: 'Be o beguyid salam'.
The past tense is 'Be o goftid' (You told him).
It's not required because 'beguyid' is already polite, but adding 'lotfan' makes it even better.
Related Phrases
به او خبر دهید
similarInform him/her
به او بفرمایید
specialized formTell him/her (very polite)
از قول من بگویید
builds onTell him/her from me
به او یادآوری کنید
similarRemind him/her
سلام برسانید
specialized formGive my regards
