Meaning
To transfer possession of something to someone else.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means you should never accept a gift or an offer the first time it is given. You should say 'Na, kheyli mamnun' (No, thank you very much) at least twice before accepting. Eidi is the tradition of giving crisp new banknotes to children and younger family members. It is a symbol of blessing and prosperity for the coming year. During the month of Muharram, people 'give' free food (Nazri) to neighbors and strangers as an act of devotion and charity. In Iranian business culture, 'giving' your word (ghol dâdan) is taken very seriously, often more than a written contract in traditional bazaars.
The 'Be' Rule
Always remember the 'be' (to). In English, we say 'Give me,' but in Persian, it's always 'Give TO me.'
Slang Caution
Avoid using 'dâdan' as a standalone verb in very casual street settings without a clear object, as it can be misinterpreted as sexual slang.
Meaning
To transfer possession of something to someone else.
The 'Be' Rule
Always remember the 'be' (to). In English, we say 'Give me,' but in Persian, it's always 'Give TO me.'
Slang Caution
Avoid using 'dâdan' as a standalone verb in very casual street settings without a clear object, as it can be misinterpreted as sexual slang.
Ta'arof Timing
If someone offers you something, say 'Na, mamnun' twice. On the third time, you can accept. This makes you look very cultured!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'dâdan' in the present tense.
من هر روز به گربهام غذا می____.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the ending must be '-am'.
Which sentence correctly uses the preposition for the recipient?
Which is correct?
The recipient 'Ali' must be preceded by 'be'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct imperative form.
سارا: علی، لطفاً آن مداد را به من ____. علی: بفرما، بگیر.
Sara is asking for something, so the imperative 'bede' is required.
Match the compound verb with its meaning.
Match 'Dars dâdan' with its English equivalent.
'Dars dâdan' literally means 'to give a lesson,' which is 'to teach.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Giving
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هر روز به گربهام غذا می____.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the ending must be '-am'.
Which is correct?
The recipient 'Ali' must be preceded by 'be'.
سارا: علی، لطفاً آن مداد را به من ____. علی: بفرما، بگیر.
Sara is asking for something, so the imperative 'bede' is required.
Match 'Dars dâdan' with its English equivalent.
'Dars dâdan' literally means 'to give a lesson,' which is 'to teach.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, its present stem (deh) and past stem (dâd) are different, which is common for the most used verbs in Persian.
Yes, 'pul dâdan' is the standard way to say 'to pay' in a shop.
'Dâdan' is general giving. 'Ehdâ' is formal donation, like giving blood or a large sum to charity.
Use 'Pas bede' (informal) or 'Pas bedahid' (formal).
Persian speakers love to shorten words in conversation. 'Midam' is the standard colloquial form.
Only in the compound form 'rokh dâdan' or 'etefâq oftâdan'. 'Dâdan' alone does not mean 'to happen'.
To a friend, it's fine. To a stranger or elder, say 'bedahid' or 'lotfan bedahid' to be polite.
It means 'to lose' something, like a key, an opportunity, or even a person who passed away.
It is 'mâ midahim' (formal) or 'mâ midim' (informal).
If the object you are giving is specific (e.g., 'the' book), yes: 'Ketâb râ be man bede.'
Related Phrases
پس دادن
specialized formTo return something
یاد دادن
builds onTo teach
دست دادن
similarTo shake hands / To happen
از دست دادن
contrastTo lose
نشان دادن
builds onTo show
