Meaning
A very polite and emphatic way to agree or confirm something.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Chashm' is tied to 'Ta'arof'. Sometimes people say 'Chashm' just to be polite, even if they might be late in doing the task. It's about the immediate social harmony. In Dari Persian, 'Chashm' is also used extensively with similar levels of respect, often accompanied by placing the hand over the heart. While Tajik Persian has some Russian influence, the traditional 'Chashm' (often pronounced 'Chashm-e') remains a mark of high culture and respect. Even second-generation Iranians who speak English as their first language often keep 'Chashm' in their vocabulary when speaking to their parents.
The 'Chashm' Smile
When saying 'Chashm' to an elder, a slight nod of the head makes it 100% more authentic.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Chashm' to every single thing a friend says, you might sound like a servant or a robot. Mix it up with 'Bashe' or 'Ok'.
Meaning
A very polite and emphatic way to agree or confirm something.
The 'Chashm' Smile
When saying 'Chashm' to an elder, a slight nod of the head makes it 100% more authentic.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Chashm' to every single thing a friend says, you might sound like a servant or a robot. Mix it up with 'Bashe' or 'Ok'.
Texting Shortcut
In WhatsApp, just typing 'چشم' is enough. You don't always need the 'Hatman'.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the most polite response.
پدر: پسرم، لطفاً نان بخر. پسر: _________، همین الان میروم.
In response to a parent's request, 'چشم حتماً' is the most respectful and appropriate choice.
Match the response to the situation.
A boss asks you to finish a report.
Professional requests require a polite affirmative like 'Chashm'.
Which of these is NOT a correct use of 'Chashm'?
When can you NOT say 'Chashm'?
'Chashm' is for requests/actions, not for answering factual questions about time.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Chashm'
People
- • Parents
- • Bosses
- • Teachers
- • Elderly relatives
Places
- • Restaurants
- • Bazaars
- • Offices
- • Guest's house
Practice Bank
3 exercisesپدر: پسرم، لطفاً نان بخر. پسر: _________، همین الان میروم.
In response to a parent's request, 'چشم حتماً' is the most respectful and appropriate choice.
A boss asks you to finish a report.
Professional requests require a polite affirmative like 'Chashm'.
When can you NOT say 'Chashm'?
'Chashm' is for requests/actions, not for answering factual questions about time.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's used with friends too, but it adds a layer of warmth and 'I'm happy to do this for you.'
Yes, it is the perfect response when a teacher gives you a task or correction.
'Bale' is 'Yes' (fact). 'Chashm' is 'Yes' (action/respect).
Absolutely. It is a gender-neutral expression of respect.
Yes! Iranians love it when foreigners use 'Chashm' correctly; it shows you understand their culture.
Related Phrases
روی چشم
synonymOn my eye
باشه
similarOK
حتماً
builds onDefinitely
در خدمتم
similarI am at your service
منتظرم
contrastI am waiting
