Meaning
A request for someone to repeat what they have said.
Cultural Background
In Iran, eye contact is important when saying 'dobāre begid'. It shows you are sincerely trying to understand and not just being dismissive. In Dari, you might hear 'tashrif biārid' or 'dobāra begoyid'. The politeness levels are similar, but the accent and some vocabulary differ. Tajik Persian uses 'boz gu' or 'duyora gūed'. It sounds more classical to Iranian ears. In the diaspora (e.g., Los Angeles), speakers might mix English: 'Sorry, dobāre begid?'. This is very common among second-generation speakers.
The 'Lotfan' Sandwich
Always put 'Lotfan' (please) either before or after the phrase to sound like a native pro. 'Lotfan دوباره بگید' sounds much softer.
Tone Matters
If you say 'دوباره بگید' with a falling, flat tone, it can sound like a command. Use a rising, questioning intonation to make it a polite request.
Meaning
A request for someone to repeat what they have said.
The 'Lotfan' Sandwich
Always put 'Lotfan' (please) either before or after the phrase to sound like a native pro. 'Lotfan دوباره بگید' sounds much softer.
Tone Matters
If you say 'دوباره بگید' with a falling, flat tone, it can sound like a command. Use a rising, questioning intonation to make it a polite request.
The 'Jan' Alternative
If you are with friends, just say 'Jan?'. It's the most natural way to ask 'What?' and makes you sound very integrated into the culture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to ask someone politely to repeat themselves.
ببخشید، نشنیدم، لطفاً _______ بگید.
'Dobāre' means 'again', which is needed to ask for a repetition.
Which form is most appropriate for a student talking to a teacher?
Student: 'Excuse me, say it again?'
The '-id' ending is formal and respectful for a teacher.
Complete the dialogue.
A: آدرس ما خیابان ولیعصر، کوچه چهارم است. B: ببخشید، خیلی تند گفتید. ________؟
The context of 'speaking too fast' requires a request for repetition.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on a phone call and the line is bad.
This addresses the technical issue and asks for repetition.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، نشنیدم، لطفاً _______ بگید.
'Dobāre' means 'again', which is needed to ask for a repetition.
Student: 'Excuse me, say it again?'
The '-id' ending is formal and respectful for a teacher.
A: آدرس ما خیابان ولیعصر، کوچه چهارم است. B: ببخشید، خیلی تند گفتید. ________؟
The context of 'speaking too fast' requires a request for repetition.
You are on a phone call and the line is bad.
This addresses the technical issue and asks for repetition.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is neutral-formal. However, for an even better impression, say 'Bebakhshid, mishe tekrār konid?'.
'Dobāre' means 'again'. 'Yek bāre dige' means 'one more time'. They are interchangeable in 90% of situations.
Yes, but in text, people often write 'chi gofti?' (informal) or 'mishe dobāre begid?' (formal).
'Beguyid' is the written/formal version. 'Begid' is the spoken version. In conversation, always use 'begid'.
Not at all! Iranians are very helpful. It's considered more polite to ask than to ignore what was said.
Say 'Ārām-tar begid' (Say it more slowly).
Say 'Bebakhshid, man hanooz motevajeh nashodam' (Sorry, I still didn't understand).
Yes, though 'dobāra begoyid' is more common in Kabul.
No, for a song you would say 'Dobāre bezārid' (Put it on again).
'Ested'ā mikonam tekrār bafarmaid' (I request that you repeat). This is very high-level Ta'arof.
Related Phrases
تکرار کنید
synonymRepeat (formal)
جان؟
similarYes? / Come again?
بفرمایید؟
similarPlease go ahead / Yes?
چی گفتی؟
informalWhat did you say?
