Meaning
Said when referring to someone who has passed away.
Cultural Background
Iranians often touch the person's arm or a table when saying this to show sincerity. It's part of the 'Ta'arof' system where emotional warmth is prioritized. While the phrase mentions 'God,' it is used by atheists and secular people in Iran as a cultural idiom. Replacing it with 'Ruhesh shad' is a common way to signal a more secular worldview. In Dari, the phrase is also used but sometimes 'Khoda biamorzad-esh' is even more frequent in certain regions. The sentiment remains identical. Tajik speakers use 'Joyash jannat shavad' (May his place be paradise) alongside 'Khoda rahmat-ash konad'.
The 'Tag' Rule
Think of this as a verbal tag. Every time you say the name of a dead person, immediately follow it with this phrase. It makes you sound incredibly polite.
Living vs. Dead
Double-check before using this if you aren't sure if the person is still alive. If they are, use 'Khoda hefz-esh kone' instead.
Meaning
Said when referring to someone who has passed away.
The 'Tag' Rule
Think of this as a verbal tag. Every time you say the name of a dead person, immediately follow it with this phrase. It makes you sound incredibly polite.
Living vs. Dead
Double-check before using this if you aren't sure if the person is still alive. If they are, use 'Khoda hefz-esh kone' instead.
Secular Alternative
If you are in a very modern, secular environment, 'Ruhesh shad' (May his soul be happy) is often preferred over the more religious 'Rahmat'.
The Plural Form
If you are talking about both grandparents, remember to say 'Khoda rahmat-ashun kone' (plural).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
پدربزرگم مرد خیلی مهربانی بود، خدا ______ کند.
We use '-ash' (رحمتش) because we are talking about 'him' (the grandfather).
Which phrase is appropriate when you hear a friend's father has passed away?
دوستت میگوید: 'پدرم هفته پیش فوت کرد.' تو چه میگویی؟
'Khoda rahmat-ash konad' is the standard condolence. 'Khoda hefzesash konad' is for living people.
Choose the most natural spoken response.
A: این عکسِ کیه؟ B: عکسِ عموم هست، پارسال تصادف کرد و مرد. A: ای وای! ________.
'Kone' is the natural spoken form of 'konad'.
Which of these is a plural form (May God have mercy on THEM)?
کدام گزینه برای جمع (آنها) صحیح است؟
The suffix '-shan' (شان) indicates the plural 'them'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Living vs. Dead Blessings
Practice Bank
4 exercisesپدربزرگم مرد خیلی مهربانی بود، خدا ______ کند.
We use '-ash' (رحمتش) because we are talking about 'him' (the grandfather).
دوستت میگوید: 'پدرم هفته پیش فوت کرد.' تو چه میگویی؟
'Khoda rahmat-ash konad' is the standard condolence. 'Khoda hefzesash konad' is for living people.
A: این عکسِ کیه؟ B: عکسِ عموم هست، پارسال تصادف کرد و مرد. A: ای وای! ________.
'Kone' is the natural spoken form of 'konad'.
کدام گزینه برای جمع (آنها) صحیح است؟
The suffix '-shan' (شان) indicates the plural 'them'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is used by Iranians of all faiths (Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians) and even non-religious people as a cultural norm.
In modern, urban Iran, many people do use it for pets, but older or more traditional people might find it slightly odd.
'Konad' is the written/formal form. 'Kone' is the spoken/informal form. Use 'kone' in 90% of conversations.
Usually, you say it the first time you mention them in a conversation. You don't need to repeat it every single time their name comes up in the same story.
The suffix '-ash' is gender-neutral in Persian, so it works for both men and women.
Yes, it is the most standard and expected thing to say when someone tells you about a loss.
You can say 'Mamnoon' (Thank you) or 'Khoda raftegan-e shoma ra ham rahmat kone' (May God also bless your deceased ones).
No, the spoken version 'Khoda rahmat-ash kone' is perfect for friends.
Yes, you can say it for anyone from a late king to a famous poet.
It means 'mercy' or 'compassion.' You are asking God to be merciful to them in the afterlife.
Some people just say 'Khoda biamorzad,' leaving out the pronoun and the verb, but the full phrase is better.
Culturally, yes. It's considered 'noble' to wish mercy even for those who weren't perfect. 'Posht-e sar-e morde harf nazan' (Don't speak ill of the dead).
Related Phrases
خدا بیامرزدش
synonymMay God forgive him/her.
روحش شاد
similarMay his/her soul be happy.
نور به قبرش ببارد
specialized formMay light rain on his grave.
جایش خالی است
builds onHis/her place is empty.
بقای عمر شما باشد
builds onMay the rest of their life be yours.
