Meaning
Used to state a condition for something to happen.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'Choneh zadan' (bargaining). It allows for a polite way to say 'no' to an initial offer while keeping the door open for a deal. In Iranian law, 'shart' is a binding stipulation. If a 'shart' in a marriage contract or business deal is broken, it can be grounds for nullification. The concept of 'Nazr' (vows) often involves a conditional promise to God, using the logic of 'be sharti ke' even if the exact words differ. Using 'be sharti ke' can actually be a form of Ta'arof. By setting a condition like 'I'll come provided you don't go to any trouble,' you are showing humility.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Always check your verb after 'ke'. If it doesn't have a 'be-' or 'na-' prefix (for subjunctive), it's probably wrong!
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every 'if', you'll sound like you're constantly trying to cut a deal. Use 'agar' for simple things.
Meaning
Used to state a condition for something to happen.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Always check your verb after 'ke'. If it doesn't have a 'be-' or 'na-' prefix (for subjunctive), it's probably wrong!
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every 'if', you'll sound like you're constantly trying to cut a deal. Use 'agar' for simple things.
Bargaining Power
In a bazaar, using 'be sharti ke' shows you are a serious buyer who knows what they want.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'to go' (رفتن).
من با تو میآیم، به شرطی که به سینما ______.
The phrase 'be sharti ke' requires the subjunctive mood. 'Broim' is the first-person plural subjunctive of 'raftan'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a business negotiation?
Setting a condition for a contract:
While 'be sharti ke' is correct, 'mashroot bar inke' is the most professional/formal variation for a contract.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: 'میتونی فردا به من کمک کنی؟' علی: 'باشه، ______.'
Ali is setting a condition for his future help, so he uses 'be sharti ke' + subjunctive 'basham'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesمن با تو میآیم، به شرطی که به سینما ______.
The phrase 'be sharti ke' requires the subjunctive mood. 'Broim' is the first-person plural subjunctive of 'raftan'.
Setting a condition for a contract:
While 'be sharti ke' is correct, 'mashroot bar inke' is the most professional/formal variation for a contract.
سارا: 'میتونی فردا به من کمک کنی؟' علی: 'باشه، ______.'
Ali is setting a condition for his future help, so he uses 'be sharti ke' + subjunctive 'basham'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but you must use the past subjunctive (e.g., 'rafte basham') to indicate a condition that should have been met.
Yes, it is perfectly professional. It shows you are setting clear expectations.
'Be sharti ke' implies a deal or requirement you are setting. 'Dar soorati ke' is more like 'in case' or 'if it happens that'.
Yes, 'ke' is the bridge to the next clause. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.
Usually, it follows a main clause, but in formal writing, you can start with 'Be shart-e anke...' for emphasis.
No, it's an Arabic loanword, but it's been used in Persian for over 1,000 years.
You say 'be yek shart' (به یک شرط).
Yes, classical poets like Hafez and Saadi use 'be shart' to discuss the conditions of love and life.
Yes, it often translates well as 'as long as' in the sense of a requirement.
Just use the negative subjunctive (e.g., 'be sharti ke naravi' - provided you don't go).
Related Phrases
اگر
similarIf
در صورتی که
synonymIn the event that
مشروط بر اینکه
specialized formConditioned upon the fact that
به شرطِ آنکه
similarProvided that
با این شرط که
builds onWith this condition that
