B2 Collocation Neutral

غیرممکن نیست

Gheyr-e momken nist

Not impossible

Meaning

Used to express that something, though difficult, can still be achieved.

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Cultural Background

Iranians often use double negatives to avoid 'Cheshm Zadan' (the Evil Eye). By not saying something is 'easy' or 'certain', they avoid sounding arrogant to fate. In Dari, the phrase is also used but 'ناممکن نیست' (Namomken nist) is slightly more frequent in Kabul than in Tehran. Tajik speakers use the Cyrillic script (ғайриимкон нест) but the logic remains identical to the Persian of Iran. In Iranian business, 'غیرممکن نیست' is often a polite way to start a negotiation about more resources or time. It means 'I can do it, but I need help.'

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The Power of the Pause

Pause slightly after 'Gheyr-e momken' before saying 'nist' to make it sound more dramatic and encouraging.

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Don't over-negate

Avoid saying 'اصلاً غیرممکن نیست نیست'—one 'nist' is enough!

Meaning

Used to express that something, though difficult, can still be achieved.

🎯

The Power of the Pause

Pause slightly after 'Gheyr-e momken' before saying 'nist' to make it sound more dramatic and encouraging.

⚠️

Don't over-negate

Avoid saying 'اصلاً غیرممکن نیست نیست'—one 'nist' is enough!

💬

Tone Matters

If you say it with a sigh, it sounds like you're tired. If you say it with a smile, it's a great motivator.

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Writing Tip

In formal letters, use this phrase to show you are willing to tackle a difficult request from a client.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.

یادگیری زبان چینی سخت است، اما _________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: غیرممکن نیست

The sentence says 'Learning Chinese is hard, but...', so we need a phrase that means 'not impossible'.

Which sentence is the most formal?

Choose the formal version of 'It's not impossible'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: غیرممکن نیست

The full 'nist' and the use of 'Gheyr-e momken' make it formal/neutral.

What would a supportive friend say?

دوست: من هیچ‌وقت نمی‌توانم در این شرکت استخدام شوم. شما: ناامید نشو! _________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: غیرممکن نیست

To encourage someone, you tell them it's NOT impossible.

Match the phrase to the situation.

In which situation is 'غیرممکن نیست' most appropriate?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A scientist discussing life on Mars

It is used for significant possibilities that are not certain.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank A2

یادگیری زبان چینی سخت است، اما _________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: غیرممکن نیست

The sentence says 'Learning Chinese is hard, but...', so we need a phrase that means 'not impossible'.

Which sentence is the most formal? Choose B1

Choose the formal version of 'It's not impossible'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: غیرممکن نیست

The full 'nist' and the use of 'Gheyr-e momken' make it formal/neutral.

What would a supportive friend say? dialogue_completion B1

دوست: من هیچ‌وقت نمی‌توانم در این شرکت استخدام شوم. شما: ناامید نشو! _________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: غیرممکن نیست

To encourage someone, you tell them it's NOT impossible.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B2

In which situation is 'غیرممکن نیست' most appropriate?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A scientist discussing life on Mars

It is used for significant possibilities that are not certain.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

14 questions

Yes, 'Gheyr-e momken' uses Arabic roots which often sound more formal or academic in Persian than the 'pure' Persian 'Nashodani'.

It sounds a bit dramatic for keys. Better to use 'شاید پیدا بشه' (Maybe they'll be found).

You would say 'تقریباً غیرممکن است'. Note that we use 'ast' (is) here because we are confirming the impossibility.

It might sound a bit cold. 'شاید یه راهی باشه' (Maybe there's a way) is more emotional.

Yes, logically it means it is possible, but pragmatically it emphasizes that it's very hard.

Absolutely. It's a great way to introduce a solution to a complex problem.

The opposite is 'غیرممکن است' (It is impossible) or 'اصلاً راه ندارد' (There is no way at all).

Yes, it is the Ezafe that links the two words. Without it, the phrase is grammatically broken.

No, 'Momken nist' means 'It is not possible', which is the exact opposite of what you want to say!

Modern poetry, yes. Classical poetry usually uses 'Mahal'.

Just change the intonation: 'غیرممکن نیست؟' (Isn't it not impossible?)

Very often, especially regarding diplomatic breakthroughs.

You can say 'تغییر دادن او غیرممکن نیست' (Changing him is not impossible).

It's considered B2 because it involves understanding double negatives and nuanced rhetoric.

Related Phrases

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بعید نیست

similar

It's not unlikely

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شدنی است

synonym

It is doable

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امکان دارد

similar

There is a possibility

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هرگز نگو هرگز

builds on

Never say never

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کوه کندن

contrast

To dig a mountain

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