Meaning
To be in a state of anticipation, looking forward to someone's arrival or an event.
Cultural Background
Telling a guest 'We were chashm be rah' is a key part of Ta'arof. It makes the guest feel valued and expected. The phrase is immortalized by Nima Yooshij. It represents the 'New Poetry' movement's use of simple but deep imagery. During the Iran-Iraq war, this phrase became a painful daily reality for thousands of families waiting for 'missing in action' soldiers. Iranians use this phrase in Instagram stories when a friend is flying back to Iran, often accompanied by traditional music.
Use with 'Mandan'
Pair it with 'mandan' (to remain) to sound more poetic and emphasize a long wait.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for a pizza delivery, it sounds like a joke (which can be funny, but be aware).
Meaning
To be in a state of anticipation, looking forward to someone's arrival or an event.
Use with 'Mandan'
Pair it with 'mandan' (to remain) to sound more poetic and emphasize a long wait.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for a pizza delivery, it sounds like a joke (which can be funny, but be aware).
The 'Door' variation
In casual speech, you can say 'Cheshmam be dare' (My eye is to the door) for the same meaning.
Journalism
Look for this in Iranian news headlines regarding international agreements or sports results.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
مادر سالها _______ بازگشت پسرش از جنگ ماند.
In the context of a mother waiting for a son from war, 'chashm be rah' is the most appropriate emotional choice.
Which sentence is more natural for a formal invitation?
Which one sounds more welcoming?
This combines the poetic 'chashm be rah' with the formal 'tashrif-farmaei' for a perfect high-register welcome.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا اینقدر دم در ایستادهای؟ B: _________.
Standing by the door is a physical sign of being 'chashm be rah' for a person.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A nation waiting for the results of a historic election.
For historic and significant events, 'chashm be rah' captures the collective anticipation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Montazer vs. Chashm be Rah
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمادر سالها _______ بازگشت پسرش از جنگ ماند.
In the context of a mother waiting for a son from war, 'chashm be rah' is the most appropriate emotional choice.
Which one sounds more welcoming?
This combines the poetic 'chashm be rah' with the formal 'tashrif-farmaei' for a perfect high-register welcome.
A: چرا اینقدر دم در ایستادهای؟ B: _________.
Standing by the door is a physical sign of being 'chashm be rah' for a person.
Situation: A nation waiting for the results of a historic election.
For historic and significant events, 'chashm be rah' captures the collective anticipation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, but it can be used for significant events like 'peace' or 'results'.
It's neutral-to-formal. It's safe to use in almost any emotional context.
Only if you are being very dramatic or funny.
They are 95% the same, but 'Chashm-entezar' is slightly more literary.
Chashm be rahet hastam (چشم به راهت هستم).
Not really. For negative things, we use 'montazer-e bala' (waiting for trouble).
It implies a 'sweet sorrow'—the pain of absence mixed with the hope of arrival.
Yes, to show you are eagerly awaiting a reply or a meeting.
Usually 'boodan' (to be) or 'mandan' (to stay).
Yes, it is one of the most common phrases in Persian pop and traditional lyrics.
Related Phrases
چشمانتظار
synonymWaiting with eyes of expectation
دلتنگ بودن
similarTo miss someone
بیصبرانه منتظر بودن
similarTo wait impatiently
چشم به در دوختن
specialized formTo stitch one's eyes to the door
در انتظار نشستن
builds onTo sit in expectation
