Meaning
To engage in verbal communication or a discussion.
Cultural Background
The 'Dialogue Among Civilizations' (گفتگوی تمدنها) was a major Iranian initiative at the UN, emphasizing the word's connection to peace. Classical poets used 'goftegu' to describe the spiritual debate between the heart and the mind. On Iranian Twitter/X, 'goftegu' is often used ironically to call out people who refuse to listen to other opinions. In Iranian business culture, a 'goftegu' is rarely just about the contract; it's about building a relationship (Rābeteh).
Use it in Emails
When asking for a meeting, say 'I'd like to have a goftegu' to sound professional.
Not for Languages
Never say 'I goftegu Persian.' Use 'Sohbat' or 'Harf'.
Meaning
To engage in verbal communication or a discussion.
Use it in Emails
When asking for a meeting, say 'I'd like to have a goftegu' to sound professional.
Not for Languages
Never say 'I goftegu Persian.' Use 'Sohbat' or 'Harf'.
The Tea Rule
A real 'goftegu' in Iran usually involves tea. Mentioning tea can make the situation feel more authentic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'goftegu kardan' in the past tense.
دیروز من با مدیر ________. (I discussed with the manager yesterday.)
The sentence requires the first-person singular past tense.
Which verb is most appropriate for a formal interview?
در مصاحبه، ما باید با دقت ________.
'Goftegu kardan' is the most formal and professional choice.
Complete the dialogue.
شخص الف: میخواهم درباره حقوقم با شما صحبت کنم. شخص ب: بله، حتما. فردا ساعت ۹ ________.
The context of discussing salary requires 'goftegu kardan'.
Match the verb to the situation.
1. Talking to a baby. 2. A peace summit. 3. Chatting with a friend at a cafe.
This matches the register to the social context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز من با مدیر ________. (I discussed with the manager yesterday.)
The sentence requires the first-person singular past tense.
در مصاحبه، ما باید با دقت ________.
'Goftegu kardan' is the most formal and professional choice.
شخص الف: میخواهم درباره حقوقم با شما صحبت کنم. شخص ب: بله، حتما. فردا ساعت ۹ ________.
The context of discussing salary requires 'goftegu kardan'.
1. Talking to a baby. 2. A peace summit. 3. Chatting with a friend at a cafe.
This matches the register to the social context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be between multiple people, but it usually implies a focused group discussion.
Technically yes, but it would be very funny/ironic. It's too formal for pets.
'Sohbat' is general speaking; 'goftegu' is a structured discussion.
Only if the topic is serious. For casual texting, use 'gap'.
It is 'کادر گفتگو' (kādr-e goftegu).
Yes, 'kardan' acts as the light verb.
Yes, in a journalistic context, 'goftegu' is often used for 'interview'.
It is common in both, though Dari speakers might also use 'gap zadan' in formal contexts more often.
Yes, 'گفتگوها' (goftegu-hā).
Only if you are being polite. Usually, 'bahs' is used for arguments.
Related Phrases
گفتمان
specialized formDiscourse
گفتگوکننده
builds onInterlocutor/Negotiator
گفتگونما
specialized formDialogue-like
همگفتگو
similarConversation partner
