Meaning
Used to summarize something concisely.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'Dar yek kalām' is often used to break through 'Ta'arof'. If someone is offering you food repeatedly, saying 'Dar yek kalām, mersi, siram' (In a word, thanks, I'm full) signals you are serious. In Dari Persian, the phrase is equally common and carries the same weight of finality in social and business settings. Tajik speakers use this phrase, though they might also use Russian-influenced summary markers in casual speech. In Iranian startups and modern business, this phrase is used to mimic the Western 'Elevator Pitch' style of communication.
The Pause
For maximum impact, pause for a split second after saying 'Dar yek kalām' before delivering your final word.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every sentence, it loses its power. Save it for the truly important summaries.
Meaning
Used to summarize something concisely.
The Pause
For maximum impact, pause for a split second after saying 'Dar yek kalām' before delivering your final word.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every sentence, it loses its power. Save it for the truly important summaries.
Breaking Ta'arof
Use this phrase when you want to signal to an Iranian friend that you are being 100% honest and not just being polite.
Adjective Choice
This phrase works best when followed by a strong, evocative adjective like 'fajee' (disaster) or 'bi-nazir' (unique).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
هوا عالی بود، منظره زیبا بود؛ _______، سفر فوقالعاده بود.
The standard idiomatic expression is 'در یک کلام'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly to summarize a negative experience?
Choose the best summary:
The phrase is used for summarizing an opinion or quality, not just stating a fact.
Complete the dialogue.
A: نظرت درباره کتاب جدید چیست؟ B: خیلی طولانی بود و داستان ضعیفی داشت. _______، وقتت را تلف نکن.
The speaker is summarizing their negative review with a final piece of advice.
Match the summary to the situation.
Situation: You just finished a 10-hour shift at work.
'I am tired' is the most logical summary of a 10-hour shift.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهوا عالی بود، منظره زیبا بود؛ _______، سفر فوقالعاده بود.
The standard idiomatic expression is 'در یک کلام'.
Choose the best summary:
The phrase is used for summarizing an opinion or quality, not just stating a fact.
A: نظرت درباره کتاب جدید چیست؟ B: خیلی طولانی بود و داستان ضعیفی داشت. _______، وقتت را تلف نکن.
The speaker is summarizing their negative review with a final piece of advice.
Situation: You just finished a 10-hour shift at work.
'I am tired' is the most logical summary of a 10-hour shift.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Usually, it's at the beginning of the summarizing clause. For example: 'It was cold, it rained, in a word, it was bad.'
'Kholāse' is more like 'anyway' or 'to sum up', while 'Dar yek kalām' is more emphatic and punchy.
No, that is not a standard idiom in Persian.
No, as long as your tone is respectful and the summary isn't insulting.
No, it can be followed by a short sentence, but the shorter the better.
'Kalām' is the idiomatic standard, though 'sokhan' was used historically.
Younger people might say 'Tah-esh in-e ke...' (The end of it is that...).
Yes, it's very common in texting to save time.
Not necessarily, but it does imply you are being very firm.
Related Phrases
ختم کلام
similarThe end of the discussion
خلاصه بگویم
synonymTo say it briefly
لب کلام
specialized formThe essence of the matter
باری
similarAnyway / In short
الغرض
synonymThe point is...
