Meaning
To give a reply to a question or statement.
Cultural Background
Answering a phone call in the middle of a conversation is common in Iran and often not seen as rude as in some Western cultures, though this is changing with the younger generation. When 'answering' an invitation, Iranians often use indirect language. A 'yes' might be a polite 'no', and a 'no' might be a polite 'yes' (requiring more insistence from the host). The term 'seen kardan' (to see/read a message) is often used alongside 'javāb dādan'. To 'seen' someone and not 'javāb' is a major social faux pas. In Iranian schools, students are encouraged to be 'hāzer-javāb' (quick with answers), which is seen as a sign of intelligence and sharpness.
The 'Working' Sense
Don't be afraid to use 'javāb dādan' for things like keys, medicines, or plans. It makes you sound very native!
Preposition Alert
Always use 'be' (به) before the person. 'Javāb dādan' without 'be' sounds incomplete.
Meaning
To give a reply to a question or statement.
The 'Working' Sense
Don't be afraid to use 'javāb dādan' for things like keys, medicines, or plans. It makes you sound very native!
Preposition Alert
Always use 'be' (به) before the person. 'Javāb dādan' without 'be' sounds incomplete.
Response Time
In Iran, replying quickly to a text is a sign of closeness. If you wait too long, you might need to apologize.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'javāb dādan' in the present tense.
من همیشه به سوالات استادم ________.
The sentence says 'always' (hamishe), so we need the present continuous/habitual form 'mi-deh-am'.
Which sentence correctly says 'Answer the phone'?
Choose the right imperative form:
'Javāb bede' is the imperative (command) form.
Match the Persian sentence to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the basic past, imperative, and negative present forms.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: Cherā be payāmam ____? Sara: Bebakhshid, khāb būdam.
Ali is asking 'Why didn't you answer?' (Negative past).
In which situation would you say 'In javāb mīde'?
Select the best context:
'Javāb dādan' figuratively means to be effective.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
5 exercisesمن همیشه به سوالات استادم ________.
The sentence says 'always' (hamishe), so we need the present continuous/habitual form 'mi-deh-am'.
Choose the right imperative form:
'Javāb bede' is the imperative (command) form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the basic past, imperative, and negative present forms.
Ali: Cherā be payāmam ____? Sara: Bebakhshid, khāb būdam.
Ali is asking 'Why didn't you answer?' (Negative past).
Select the best context:
'Javāb dādan' figuratively means to be effective.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the standard way to say you answered questions on a test.
Not better, just more formal. Use 'javāb' with friends and 'pāsokh' in an essay.
You say 'Javāb khāham dād' (formal) or 'Javāb mīdam' (informal/future intent).
It can, if said with a certain tone, but usually it's neutral. 'Javāb-sar-bālā' is specifically for talking back.
Yes, 'dar rā javāb dādan' is the standard phrase.
The present stem is 'deh' (ده).
Yes, the word is Arabic, but the way it's used in this compound verb is uniquely Persian.
Kasi javāb nadād. (کسی جواب نداد.)
Yes, if a machine responds to a command, you can use this phrase.
It's an imperative, so it's a bit direct. Use 'Lotfan javāb bedid' to be polite.
Related Phrases
پاسخ دادن
synonymTo answer (formal)
پس دادن
similarTo give back
سوال کردن
contrastTo ask a question
حاضرجواب
builds onQuick-witted
جوابگو بودن
specialized formTo be accountable
