Meaning
A request for information or communication.
Cultural Background
The use of the plural 'beguyid' for one person is a core part of 'Ta'arof'. It acknowledges the other person's status and is considered 'Ba-adab' (polite). In Dari, the phrase is very similar: 'Ba ma begoyid'. The politeness rules are equally strict regarding the use of the plural imperative. Tajik Persian uses 'Ba man gūyed'. While the script is Cyrillic (Ба ман гӯед), the grammatical logic of using the plural for respect remains the same. Even in the diaspora, Iranians often maintain these levels of formality when speaking Persian, though they may be more casual in English.
The 'Safe' Phrase
When in doubt, always use 'Be man beguyid'. It is never offensive and always polite.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'Az man beguyid'. It's a common English-interference mistake.
Meaning
A request for information or communication.
The 'Safe' Phrase
When in doubt, always use 'Be man beguyid'. It is never offensive and always polite.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'Az man beguyid'. It's a common English-interference mistake.
Body Language
When saying this to an elder, a slight nod of the head enhances the politeness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition to make the sentence 'Tell me the time.'
لطفاً ___ من بگویید ساعت چند است؟
The verb 'goftan' (to tell/say) always takes the preposition 'be' (to) for the recipient.
Which form is most appropriate when speaking to your teacher?
استاد، لطفاً ...
The plural imperative '-id' is the correct formal way to address a teacher.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: ببخشید، من گم شدهام. ___ ایستگاه کجاست؟ B: بله، مستقیم بروید.
When speaking to a stranger ('bebakhshid'), the formal 'beguyid' is required.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Understanding the nuances of formality and spoken vs. written forms is key.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً ___ من بگویید ساعت چند است؟
The verb 'goftan' (to tell/say) always takes the preposition 'be' (to) for the recipient.
استاد، لطفاً ...
The plural imperative '-id' is the correct formal way to address a teacher.
A: ببخشید، من گم شدهام. ___ ایستگاه کجاست؟ B: بله، مستقیم بروید.
When speaking to a stranger ('bebakhshid'), the formal 'beguyid' is required.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuances of formality and spoken vs. written forms is key.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but adding 'be man' (to me) makes it clearer and more natural in most contexts.
Yes, it's the most common spoken form. However, learning 'beguyid' first helps you understand the formal structure.
They will understand you, but you might come across as uneducated or slightly aggressive.
Use the negative imperative: 'Be man naguyid'.
Yes, but often shortened to 'بهم بگین' or even 'بگو' if texting a friend.
It can also mean 'say' or 'speak' depending on the context.
'Goftan' is 'to say/tell' (transitive), while 'harf zadan' is 'to talk' (intransitive).
Absolutely! 'Gheymat ra be man beguyid' is very common.
Yes, it's a standard way to request information in a letter or email.
Add 'lotfan' (please) at the beginning: 'Lotfan be man beguyid'.
Related Phrases
صحبت کردن
similarTo talk/speak
توضیح دادن
specialized formTo explain
سوال کردن
builds onTo ask a question
حرف زدن
similarTo speak/talk (informal)
