Meaning
An expression used to hope that something undesirable does not happen.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'Ta'arof'. It is considered a social duty to ward off bad news for others. Even among highly secular youth, the phrase is used as a standard idiom without religious intent, similar to 'Oh my God' in English. In Afghanistan, the phrase is also very common, often followed by 'خدا نخواسته باشد' (Khoda nakhwasta bashad). Tajik speakers use 'Худо نکند' (Khudo nakunad), maintaining the same Persian root and function despite the Cyrillic script.
The Ta'arof Rule
If an elderly person mentions their death, you MUST say 'Khoda nakonad' immediately. Silence is considered very rude.
Don't be Sarcastic
Avoid using this for very small things like 'I might be 2 minutes late' unless you want to sound like you're making fun of the person.
Meaning
An expression used to hope that something undesirable does not happen.
The Ta'arof Rule
If an elderly person mentions their death, you MUST say 'Khoda nakonad' immediately. Silence is considered very rude.
Don't be Sarcastic
Avoid using this for very small things like 'I might be 2 minutes late' unless you want to sound like you're making fun of the person.
Non-Religious Use
Don't worry if you aren't religious. Everyone uses this phrase; it's more about culture than faith.
Pairing
Pair it with 'دور از جان' (Dur az jan) to sound like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
سارا: میترسم در سفر پاسپورتم را گم کنم. علی: _________! مواظب باش.
Since losing a passport is a negative hypothetical, 'Khoda nakonad' is the perfect response.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Situation: An old man says 'I might not be here next year.'
In Ta'arof, you must respond to mentions of death with 'Khoda nakonad'.
Which of these is NOT a correct use of 'Khoda nakonad'?
Select the incorrect usage:
You don't use 'Khoda nakonad' for positive events.
Choose the most natural response for a formal setting.
رئیس: اگر این قرارداد امضا نشود، ضرر زیادی میکنیم. کارمند: _________ قربان، تمام تلاشمان را میکنیم.
'Khoda nakonad' shows the employee cares about the company's success.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Contexts
Health
- • Illness
- • Surgery
- • Accident
Success
- • Failing exams
- • Losing job
- • Bankruptcy
Social
- • Death of elders
- • Leaving home
- • Loneliness
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسارا: میترسم در سفر پاسپورتم را گم کنم. علی: _________! مواظب باش.
Since losing a passport is a negative hypothetical, 'Khoda nakonad' is the perfect response.
Situation: An old man says 'I might not be here next year.'
In Ta'arof, you must respond to mentions of death with 'Khoda nakonad'.
Select the incorrect usage:
You don't use 'Khoda nakonad' for positive events.
رئیس: اگر این قرارداد امضا نشود، ضرر زیادی میکنیم. کارمند: _________ قربان، تمام تلاشمان را میکنیم.
'Khoda nakonad' shows the employee cares about the company's success.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is used by Iranian Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, and atheists alike. It is a linguistic and cultural habit.
Yes, but 'Zabanam lal' (May my tongue be mute) is more common when you are the one mentioning the bad possibility.
The informal version is 'خدا نکنه' (Khoda nakone).
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate and shows you care about the company's well-being.
Nothing terrible happens, but you might seem a bit less empathetic or 'dry' in conversation.
No, it's only for future or hypothetical events.
Not really, but people say it very fast so it sounds like one word.
Not at all. It is used by all ages, from children to the elderly.
They are almost identical, but 'Khoda nakonad' is used much more frequently in Persian than 'God forbid' is in modern English.
Yes, it's very common in texting. You can even use the 🤲 emoji with it.
Related Phrases
دور از جان
similarFar from your soul
زبانم لال
similarMay my tongue be mute
گوش شیطان کر
similarMay the devil's ear be deaf
انشاالله
contrastGod willing
بلا به دور
builds onMay calamity be far
