Meaning
Granting permission for someone to proceed or do something.
Cultural Background
The phrase is the 'Swiss Army Knife' of Ta'arof. It is used to smooth over almost any social interaction where permission or offering is involved. In modern Tehran, 'Bale, befarmayid' is used quickly and efficiently in business, but still retains its polite edge. Shirazis are famous for their warmth. Here, 'Bale, befarmayid' is often followed by 'Ghadam-etun ro cheshm' (Your step is on my eyes). In Dari, 'Befarmayid' is also used, but 'Marhamat' is another very common polite alternative for 'please go ahead.'
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany 'Befarmayid' with a slight palm-up gesture toward the door, seat, or food. It completes the Ta'arof.
Don't over-Ta'arof
Saying it 10 times in a row can be exhausting. Twice is usually enough!
Meaning
Granting permission for someone to proceed or do something.
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany 'Befarmayid' with a slight palm-up gesture toward the door, seat, or food. It completes the Ta'arof.
Don't over-Ta'arof
Saying it 10 times in a row can be exhausting. Twice is usually enough!
The 'Janam' boost
Adding 'Janam' (My soul) before 'Befarmayid' makes you sound incredibly kind and welcoming.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate polite response.
Person A: ببخشید خانم، میتوانم یک سوال بپرسم؟ Person B: _________.
Since Person A is being polite, Person B should respond with the formal 'Bale, befarmayid.'
Match the action to the correct use of 'Befarmayid'.
You are offering a piece of cake to a guest.
'Mil konid' is the polite way to say 'eat' or 'consume.'
Fill in the blank to complete the phone greeting.
الو، سلام. بله، _________؟
The standard polite imperative is 'befarmayid.'
Which of these is NOT a correct use of 'Befarmayid'?
Select the incorrect context:
'Khahesh mikonam' is used for 'You're welcome.' 'Befarmayid' is for granting permission or offering.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Many Faces of 'Befarmayid'
At the Door
- • Come in
- • Enter
- • Welcome
On the Phone
- • I'm listening
- • Go ahead
- • Yes?
At the Table
- • Eat
- • Help yourself
- • Drink
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPerson A: ببخشید خانم، میتوانم یک سوال بپرسم؟ Person B: _________.
Since Person A is being polite, Person B should respond with the formal 'Bale, befarmayid.'
You are offering a piece of cake to a guest.
'Mil konid' is the polite way to say 'eat' or 'consume.'
الو، سلام. بله، _________؟
The standard polite imperative is 'befarmayid.'
Select the incorrect context:
'Khahesh mikonam' is used for 'You're welcome.' 'Befarmayid' is for granting permission or offering.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! When handing someone a pen or a document, say 'Befarmayid.'
Yes, 'Bale' is always safer and more polite. 'Are' is only for very close friends.
Just say 'Bale, befarmayid.' It is perfectly polite on its own.
Yes, if someone asks 'Can I ask a question?' in a chat, you can reply 'Bale, befarmayid.'
Related Phrases
خواهش میکنم
similarPlease / You're welcome
در خدمتم
builds onI am at your service
بفرما
specialized formGo ahead (informal)
جانم؟
similarYes? (My soul?)
