Meaning
A polite offer of help or assistance.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a key component of Ta'arof. It's often said even if the person is busy, as a way to show they value the relationship more than their time. In Iranian offices, hierarchy is respected through language. Subordinates will almost always use 'Dar khedmat hastam' when assigned a task by a manager. When hosting guests, the host uses this phrase to indicate that the guest's comfort is their primary 'service'. On apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, 'در خدمتم' is a very common way to acknowledge a message from a client or teacher.
The Hand Gesture
When saying this in person, placing your right hand over your heart makes it feel 100% more authentic and polite.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you say this to your best friend every time they ask for a favor, they might think you're being sarcastic or distant.
Meaning
A polite offer of help or assistance.
The Hand Gesture
When saying this in person, placing your right hand over your heart makes it feel 100% more authentic and polite.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you say this to your best friend every time they ask for a favor, they might think you're being sarcastic or distant.
Ta'arof Logic
Sometimes people say 'Dar khedmat hastam' as a polite way to say 'I'm listening' without actually committing to a huge task. Gauge the context!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to complete the polite response.
اگر سوالی داشتید، من در _______ هستم.
'Dar khedmat hastam' is the fixed idiom for offering help.
Which response is most appropriate for a job interview when asked if you can start next week?
آیا میتوانید از هفته آینده کار را شروع کنید؟
This shows both willingness and professional respect.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. در خدمتم 2. بنده در خدمت هستم 3. در خدمتتون هستیم
Formality levels: 'Dar khedmatam' (neutral/informal), 'Bande...' (very formal), '...hastim' (plural/business).
Complete the dialogue with the most polite option.
مشتری: ببخشید، میتوانید این لباس را برای من کادو کنید؟ فروشنده: _________.
In a retail setting, this is the standard polite way to accept a request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Dar Khedmat Hastam'
Professional
- • Emails
- • Meetings
- • Phone calls
Social
- • With elders
- • Hosting guests
- • Accepting invites
Public
- • Shops
- • Restaurants
- • Banks
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاگر سوالی داشتید، من در _______ هستم.
'Dar khedmat hastam' is the fixed idiom for offering help.
آیا میتوانید از هفته آینده کار را شروع کنید؟
This shows both willingness and professional respect.
1. در خدمتم 2. بنده در خدمت هستم 3. در خدمتتون هستیم
Formality levels: 'Dar khedmatam' (neutral/informal), 'Bande...' (very formal), '...hastim' (plural/business).
مشتری: ببخشید، میتوانید این لباس را برای من کادو کنید؟ فروشنده: _________.
In a retail setting, this is the standard polite way to accept a request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Dar khedmatam' is just the contracted, more common spoken version. It's slightly less formal but still very polite.
Yes! If someone thanks you for a service, responding with 'Dar khedmat هستم' implies 'It was my pleasure to serve you.'
To an English speaker, 'I am in service' sounds like a butler. In Persian, it does NOT. It sounds like a well-mannered, respectful person.
Use the plural: 'Dar khedmat-eetoon hastim' (در خدمتتون هستیم).
Absolutely. It is one of the most common ways to end a professional email in Iran.
The most formal version is 'Bande dar khedmat-e shoma hastam' (بنده در خدمت شما هستم).
Yes, but the frequency and specific Ta'arof nuances are most prominent in Iranian Persian.
Yes, it is a very respectful way to respond to your parents' requests.
You can still say 'I'd love to be in service, but...' (Kheyli doost dashtam dar khedmat basham, ama...). It softens the rejection.
No, 'Dar khedmat hastam' is completely gender-neutral.
Related Phrases
امر بفرمایید
similarPlease give your command/order.
در خدمتتون هستم
specialized formI am at your (plural/formal) service.
بفرمایید
builds onPlease / Go ahead / Here you go.
مخلصم
synonymI am your sincere friend.
