Meaning
Indicating that a point or action is logical and justifiable.
Cultural Background
In Iranian talk shows and debates, 'bi rāh nist' is used to show 'Ensāf' (fairness). It proves the speaker is not biased and can see the logic in their opponent's view. The concept of 'Rāh' (Path) is central to Sufi poetry (Rumi, Hafez). Being 'bi rāh' is a spiritual tragedy. This phrase is a secular, logical application of that ancient spiritual concept. When a subordinate wants to disagree with a boss, they often start with 'حرف شما بیراه نیست اما...' to soften the blow of the coming disagreement. Even if an Iranian thinks you are only 10% right, they might say 'bi rāh nist' to be polite and keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
The 'Por' Trick
Add 'por' (پر) before 'bi-rāh' to sound like a native intellectual. It shows you really appreciate the logic of the point.
Don't over-use
If you say 'bi rāh nist' to everything, you might sound indecisive or non-committal.
Meaning
Indicating that a point or action is logical and justifiable.
The 'Por' Trick
Add 'por' (پر) before 'bi-rāh' to sound like a native intellectual. It shows you really appreciate the logic of the point.
Don't over-use
If you say 'bi rāh nist' to everything, you might sound indecisive or non-committal.
Polite Disagreement
Always use this phrase before saying 'but' (ammā) to keep the conversation polite.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
اینکه میگویی باید بیشتر ورزش کنیم، چندان _______ نیست.
The correct adjective is 'بیراه' (without a path).
Which response is the most natural way to acknowledge a fair point?
دوستت میگوید: 'فکر کنم اگر زودتر بخوابیم، فردا سرحالتر هستیم.'
'بیراه نمیگی' is the common spoken way to say 'You're not wrong.'
Fill in the blank in this formal dialogue.
مدیر: 'به نظر من باید روی تبلیغات دیجیتال تمرکز کنیم.' کارمند: 'بله، حرف شما _______ نیست؛ بازار به این سمت رفته است.'
'حرف شما بیراه نیست' is a standard formal acknowledgement.
Match the phrase variation to the context.
Match: 1. پر بیراه نیست 2. بیراهه نرو 3. بیراه نمیگوید
'Por bi-rah' intensifies agreement, 'bi-rahe naro' means don't get distracted, and 'bi-rah nemiguyad' refers to someone else.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاینکه میگویی باید بیشتر ورزش کنیم، چندان _______ نیست.
The correct adjective is 'بیراه' (without a path).
دوستت میگوید: 'فکر کنم اگر زودتر بخوابیم، فردا سرحالتر هستیم.'
'بیراه نمیگی' is the common spoken way to say 'You're not wrong.'
مدیر: 'به نظر من باید روی تبلیغات دیجیتال تمرکز کنیم.' کارمند: 'بله، حرف شما _______ نیست؛ بازار به این سمت رفته است.'
'حرف شما بیراه نیست' is a standard formal acknowledgement.
Match: 1. پر بیراه نیست 2. بیراهه نرو 3. بیراه نمیگوید
'Por bi-rah' intensifies agreement, 'bi-rahe naro' means don't get distracted, and 'bi-rah nemiguyad' refers to someone else.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, you use it for what a person *says*. You say 'His word is not bi-rah,' not 'He is not bi-rah.'
The opposite is 'بیراه' (bi-rāh) or 'پرت' (part - slang for nonsensical).
Close, but 'You are right' is 'Haq bā shomāst.' 'Bi rāh nist' is more like 'You have a point.'
In modern Persian, use a half-space (ZWNJ) between 'bi' and 'rāh': بیراه.
Yes, it is very common in academic writing to introduce a plausible theory.
Slightly. It's a 'soft' agreement, so it implies you aren't 100% convinced but see the logic.
It means road, path, or way.
Technically yes, but it's rare. People usually say 'bi-rāh miguyad' (he says pathless things).
Yes, 'Rāst migi' (You're telling the truth) is the casual equivalent.
'bi' is a prefix meaning 'without', like 'un-' or 'less' in English.
Absolutely. 'The director's choice was not unreasonable' = 'انتخاب کارگردان بیراه نبود.'
Yes, it's understood in Afghanistan (Dari) and Tajikistan, though local variations exist.
Confusing it with 'bi-rāhe' (detour).
Related Phrases
حرف حساب
similarA logical/accountable word
پر بیراه نیست
specialized formQuite reasonable
بیراهه رفتن
contrastTo go astray
بعید نیست
similarIt's not unlikely
حق با شماست
synonymYou are right
