Meaning
To feel optimistic and expect a positive outcome.
Cultural Background
In Iran, this phrase is often used when asking for a favor from someone older or in a higher position, reflecting the value of 'Eshterak' (sharing/community). In Dari (Afghan Persian), the phrase is equally common and often carries a strong spiritual weight, implying that while we look to people, our ultimate hope is in God. Tajik Persian (written in Cyrillic) uses the same idiom: 'Чашми умед доштан'. It is frequently used in formal state media to discuss national progress. Among Iranians living abroad, this phrase is often used in nostalgic contexts, expressing hope for a future visit or a change in the homeland.
Use 'be'!
Always remember the preposition 'be'. Saying 'man to ra cheshm omid daram' is a common mistake. It must be 'man BE to...'
Ta'arof Power
Using this phrase in a request makes you sound very polite and cultured. It's a high-level 'Ta'arof' move.
Meaning
To feel optimistic and expect a positive outcome.
Use 'be'!
Always remember the preposition 'be'. Saying 'man to ra cheshm omid daram' is a common mistake. It must be 'man BE to...'
Ta'arof Power
Using this phrase in a request makes you sound very polite and cultured. It's a high-level 'Ta'arof' move.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its poetic power. Save it for things that actually matter.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
من ... تخصص شما چشم امید دارم.
The idiom 'چشم امید داشتن' always takes the preposition 'به'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a job interview?
How would you tell an employer you hope to get the job?
This is a formal and correct use of the idiom in a professional context.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are related but distinct terms regarding hope and waiting.
Complete the dialogue.
دوست الف: خیلی نگران امتحان هستم. دوست ب: نگران نباش، من به تواناییهای تو ...
The present tense 'dāram' is used to express current confidence in a friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hope vs. Expectation
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ... تخصص شما چشم امید دارم.
The idiom 'چشم امید داشتن' always takes the preposition 'به'.
How would you tell an employer you hope to get the job?
This is a formal and correct use of the idiom in a professional context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are related but distinct terms regarding hope and waiting.
دوست الف: خیلی نگران امتحان هستم. دوست ب: نگران نباش، من به تواناییهای تو ...
The present tense 'dāram' is used to express current confidence in a friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be, but it's used in secular contexts too. It's about the feeling of hope, not necessarily faith.
Yes, 'cheshm omid bastan' is common and means you have 'fixed' or 'tied' your hope to something.
Yes! Even though it's an idiom, the words are basic and it's a great way to sound more native early on.
'Omidvaram' is 'I hope'. 'Cheshm-e omid daram' is 'I am looking to [someone/something] with hope.' It's more specific and directed.
No, it's almost always used for positive expectations or seeking help.
You would say 'من دیگر به این کار چشم امید ندارم' (I no longer have an eye of hope for this).
Yes, it's a staple of Persian pop and classical lyrics.
A little bit, but in a 'classy' way. It's not obsolete; it's just elegant.
It would sound very funny and dramatic, like a joke. 'I have an eye of hope on my cat to catch the mouse.'
Forgetting the 'e' sound (Ezafe) between 'Cheshm' and 'Omid'.
Related Phrases
چشمبهراه بودن
similarTo be waiting for someone's arrival.
دل بستن
similarTo set one's heart on something.
ناامید شدن
contrastTo lose hope.
چشم داشتن
specialized formTo have an eye on something (often coveting).
امیدوار بودن
synonymTo be hopeful.
