Meaning
Used to specify the subject matter being discussed.
Cultural Background
In Iranian administrative culture, using 'در خصوص' is part of 'Mokatabat-e Edari' (Administrative Correspondence). There are specific books and courses dedicated to teaching government employees how to use these phrases correctly to maintain the dignity of the state. In Dari (the Persian of Afghanistan), 'در خصوص' is also used in formal government and media contexts, though 'در مورد' and 'در رابطه به' are also very frequent in official speech. In Tajiki, while the phrase exists, the influence of Russian and the local dialect means 'дар бораи' (dar borai) is often used even in formal settings, though 'дар хусус' (dar khusus) appears in high-level academic writing. Second-generation speakers often lose the ability to use 'در خصوص', defaulting to 'درباره' for everything. Using it correctly is a sign of 'high-level' heritage language mastery.
The Ezafe is Key
Never forget the 'e' sound at the end of 'khosus'. It's 'dar khosus-e...'
Don't Over-Formalize
If you use this with your Persian friends, they might think you're being sarcastic or acting like a government official.
Meaning
Used to specify the subject matter being discussed.
The Ezafe is Key
Never forget the 'e' sound at the end of 'khosus'. It's 'dar khosus-e...'
Don't Over-Formalize
If you use this with your Persian friends, they might think you're being sarcastic or acting like a government official.
The Power of the Phrase
Using this in a formal letter to an Iranian embassy or university can actually make your request seem more legitimate.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct formal phrase.
مدیر عامل امروز ... قرارداد جدید صحبت کرد.
In a formal context involving a CEO and a contract, 'در خصوص' is the most appropriate choice.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal business email?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the formal 'در خصوص' and the polite 'shoma' (you), making it perfect for business.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent register.
Match the following:
Understanding the register is key to using these correctly.
Complete the dialogue in a formal tone.
کارمند: آقای رئیس، آیا وقت دارید؟ رئیس: بله، ... ؟
The boss uses a formal tone to match the employee's respectful approach.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Where would you most likely see 'در خصوص'?
Legal documents require the high formality of 'در خصوص'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
The 'About' Hierarchy
Practice Bank
5 exercisesمدیر عامل امروز ... قرارداد جدید صحبت کرد.
In a formal context involving a CEO and a contract, 'در خصوص' is the most appropriate choice.
Choose the best option:
This option uses the formal 'در خصوص' and the polite 'shoma' (you), making it perfect for business.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the register is key to using these correctly.
کارمند: آقای رئیس، آیا وقت دارید؟ رئیس: بله، ... ؟
The boss uses a formal tone to match the employee's respectful approach.
Where would you most likely see 'در خصوص'?
Legal documents require the high formality of 'در خصوص'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNeither is 'better', but 'در خصوص' is more formal. Use 'درباره' for general topics and 'در خصوص' for professional ones.
Only if it's a very formal work-related text. Otherwise, it's too stiff.
No, it is a fixed prepositional phrase.
Rarely. Poets prefer 'پیرامون' or 'در باب' because they fit the meter better.
You say 'در خصوصِ او' (Dar khosus-e ou).
Related Phrases
در زمینه
similarIn the field of / regarding
پیرامون
synonymAround / concerning
در باب
specialized formIn the matter of
در رابطه با
similarIn relation to
منحصراً
builds onExclusively
