Meaning
A direct and informal command to tell someone not to be dishonest or fabricate facts.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Dorough-e Maslahat-amiz' (a lie of expediency) is culturally accepted. It's a lie told to prevent a greater harm or to keep the peace. In these cases, saying 'Dorough nagoo' might be seen as socially obtuse. In Tehran, 'Dorough nagoo' is often shortened in fast speech to 'Dorough nago' or even just a skeptical 'Dorough?!'. It's a staple of 'Lati' (tough guy) and 'Susk' (trendy) slang alike. The ancient Persian religion, Zoroastrianism, considers 'The Lie' (Druj) to be the source of all evil. This historical background makes the word 'Dorough' much heavier than the English 'lie.' On Iranian Instagram, 'Dorough nagoo' is a common comment on 'flexing' posts. It's used to call out influencers who exaggerate their lifestyle.
The 'Baba' Add-on
Add 'Baba' at the end ('Dorough nagoo baba!') to sound 100% more like a native Tehrani. It adds a layer of 'Come on, man!' to the disbelief.
Respect the Hierarchy
If you say this to someone older than you, it's not just a correction; it's a challenge to their honor. Stick to 'Vaghe'an?' (Really?) with elders.
Meaning
A direct and informal command to tell someone not to be dishonest or fabricate facts.
The 'Baba' Add-on
Add 'Baba' at the end ('Dorough nagoo baba!') to sound 100% more like a native Tehrani. It adds a layer of 'Come on, man!' to the disbelief.
Respect the Hierarchy
If you say this to someone older than you, it's not just a correction; it's a challenge to their honor. Stick to 'Vaghe'an?' (Really?) with elders.
The Smile Factor
If you are using it for disbelief, always accompany it with a smile or a laugh. A stone-cold face makes it a serious accusation.
Test Yourself
Which response is most appropriate when a friend tells you they just won a free trip to Paris?
دوستم: 'من برنده سفر به پاریس شدم!' من: '_________'
'دروغ نگو!' is the natural informal exclamation for shock/disbelief among friends.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'not to lie' in a formal setting.
آقای مدیر، لطفاً به کارمندان _________.
'دروغ نگویید' is the most formal and respectful version of the imperative.
Match the tone of 'دروغ نگو' to the situation.
1. Angry/Flat tone 2. High/Rising tone
Flat tones indicate serious accusation; rising tones indicate excitement or shock.
Complete the slangy conversation.
علی: 'من دیروز با مسی فوتبال بازی کردم!' رضا: 'برو بابا، _________!'
'Khali naband' is the perfect slang response to an obvious exaggeration.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدوستم: 'من برنده سفر به پاریس شدم!' من: '_________'
'دروغ نگو!' is the natural informal exclamation for shock/disbelief among friends.
آقای مدیر، لطفاً به کارمندان _________.
'دروغ نگویید' is the most formal and respectful version of the imperative.
1. Angry/Flat tone 2. High/Rising tone
Flat tones indicate serious accusation; rising tones indicate excitement or shock.
علی: 'من دیروز با مسی فوتبال بازی کردم!' رضا: 'برو بابا، _________!'
'Khali naband' is the perfect slang response to an obvious exaggeration.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt depends entirely on the relationship. Between friends, it's common and friendly. To a stranger or elder, it's very offensive.
Absolutely not. Use 'In matlab ba vaghe'iyat motabeghat nadarad' (This information does not match reality) for a professional way to say someone is wrong.
'Dorough nagoo' is more general. 'Khali naband' specifically refers to someone making up stories to look cool or important.
You say 'Dorough nemigam' (دروغ نمیگم).
It's used as an exclamation of shock for good news, like 'No way! I'm so happy for you!'
Related Phrases
خالی نبند
synonymDon't exaggerate / Don't lie (slang).
چاخان نکن
synonymDon't tell tall tales.
راستشو بگو
contrastTell the truth.
شوخی میکنی؟
similarAre you joking?
