Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means you might have to ask 'Dobāre mi-farmāyid?' even if you heard the person, just to show you are giving them your full, respectful attention. In Dari, 'mi-farmāyid' is also used but sometimes 'lutfan tekrār kunid' is more common in urban centers. Tajik Persian uses 'me-farmoyed', which is the same root but with a different vowel sound due to the Cyrillic influence.
The Head Tilt
When saying this, a slight tilt of the head and a small smile makes the 'Ta'arof' feel much more natural and sincere.
Don't Overuse
If you ask 'Dobāre mi-farmāyid?' five times in a row, it becomes annoying. Switch to 'Motevajje nemisham' (I'm not understanding) to be honest.
Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
The Head Tilt
When saying this, a slight tilt of the head and a small smile makes the 'Ta'arof' feel much more natural and sincere.
Don't Overuse
If you ask 'Dobāre mi-farmāyid?' five times in a row, it becomes annoying. Switch to 'Motevajje nemisham' (I'm not understanding) to be honest.
The Power of Janam
If 'mi-farmāyid' feels too stiff, try 'Jānam?'. It's the secret weapon of Persian politeness—it means 'My soul?' but functions as 'Yes, please go on?'
Test Yourself
Which of the following is the most polite way to ask your boss to repeat a sentence?
رئیس، ببخشید، ...؟
The verb 'farmudan' is the standard honorific for 'to say' in a professional context.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
ببخشید استاد، متوجه نشدم، دوباره ...؟
The second-person plural honorific is required here.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
Match: 1. دوباره میفرمایید؟ 2. دوباره میگی؟
Formal for elders, informal for siblings.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
To Say: Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
3 exercisesرئیس، ببخشید، ...؟
The verb 'farmudan' is the standard honorific for 'to say' in a professional context.
ببخشید استاد، متوجه نشدم، دوباره ...؟
The second-person plural honorific is required here.
Match: 1. دوباره میفرمایید؟ 2. دوباره میگی؟
Formal for elders, informal for siblings.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is the perfect phrase for a student-teacher relationship.
Yes, it shows you are a respectful passenger, which often leads to better service!
People will understand you are a learner, but it will sound like you are calling yourself a king. Just laugh and correct it to 'mi-guyam'.
Yes, in formal emails or WhatsApp messages to people you don't know well.
Related Phrases
بفرمایید
builds onPlease (go ahead / sit / speak / eat)
عرض کردم
contrastI said (humbly)
جانم؟
similarYes? / What?
تکرار میکنید؟
synonymWill you repeat?
