A1 Idiom Neutral

دست به خیر بودن

dast be kheyr budan

To be charitable

Meaning

To be generous, benevolent, and willing to help others.

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Cultural Background

The concept of 'Kheyr' is central to the Iranian identity. It is often linked to 'Ta'arof' but goes deeper into actual social responsibility. In Tajikistan, this phrase is used similarly to describe those who support the 'Hashar' (communal voluntary work). The phrase is heavily influenced by the Quranic concept of 'Khayrat' (good deeds). It is often used during Ramadan to describe those who give Iftar.

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Use it for praise

This is a very positive phrase. Use it to make a great impression when talking about someone's character.

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The 'Kheyr' connection

Remember that 'Kheyr' is the same word used in 'Sobh be-kheyr' (Good morning). It always implies something positive.

Meaning

To be generous, benevolent, and willing to help others.

💡

Use it for praise

This is a very positive phrase. Use it to make a great impression when talking about someone's character.

💬

The 'Kheyr' connection

Remember that 'Kheyr' is the same word used in 'Sobh be-kheyr' (Good morning). It always implies something positive.

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing preposition.

علی همیشه دست ___ خیر است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: به

The fixed idiom is 'dast be kheyr'.

Which sentence best describes a person who helps the poor?

کدام جمله درست است؟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او دست به خیر است.

'Dast be kheyr' means generous. The others mean: going to the bathroom, being lazy, and being cautious.

Complete the dialogue.

سارا: 'چرا همه از آقای احمدی تعریف می‌کنند؟' مریم: 'چون او خیلی ...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: دست به خیر است

People praise him because he is generous.

Match the situation to the phrase.

A neighbor helps you fix your car for free.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او دست به خیر است.

Helping for free is an act of 'kheyr'.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the missing preposition. Fill Blank A1

علی همیشه دست ___ خیر است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: به

The fixed idiom is 'dast be kheyr'.

Which sentence best describes a person who helps the poor? Choose A2

کدام جمله درست است؟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او دست به خیر است.

'Dast be kheyr' means generous. The others mean: going to the bathroom, being lazy, and being cautious.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

سارا: 'چرا همه از آقای احمدی تعریف می‌کنند؟' مریم: 'چون او خیلی ...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: دست به خیر است

People praise him because he is generous.

Match the situation to the phrase. situation_matching A2

A neighbor helps you fix your car for free.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او دست به خیر است.

Helping for free is an act of 'kheyr'.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

It's better not to. In Persian culture, self-praise is discouraged. Let others describe you as 'dast be kheyr'.

No, it can be about giving time, effort, or advice as well.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.

Related Phrases

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دست و دل باز

synonym

Generous with money.

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نیکوکار

similar

Benefactor / Doer of good.

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خسیس

contrast

Stingy / Mean.

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