Meaning
A polite way to thank someone for their kindness or help.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a key component of Ta'arof. It's often used to 'refuse' a gift or favor initially before accepting it, to show you don't want to be a burden. In Dari, 'Lotf kardid' is also used, but 'Lutf namoodid' is a common formal alternative in Kabul. Tajik speakers might use 'Lutf karded', but they often favor 'Rahmat' or 'Salamat boshed' in similar contexts. In the US or Europe, younger Iranians might mix this with English: 'Kheyli lotf kardid for the help!'
The 'In' Ending
Use 'Lotf kardin' in spoken conversation to sound more like a local, but keep 'kardid' for writing.
Don't over-Ta'arof
Saying it once or twice is polite. Saying it ten times for a small favor can feel exhausting even for Iranians!
Meaning
A polite way to thank someone for their kindness or help.
The 'In' Ending
Use 'Lotf kardin' in spoken conversation to sound more like a local, but keep 'kardid' for writing.
Don't over-Ta'arof
Saying it once or twice is polite. Saying it ten times for a small favor can feel exhausting even for Iranians!
Pairing is Caring
Combine it with 'Dastetoon dard nakone' for maximum politeness when receiving a physical object.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct formal form of the verb 'to do'.
آقا، شما خیلی لطف ______.
To be polite to 'Agha' (Sir), we must use the 2nd person plural past tense 'kardid'.
Which response is most appropriate for this situation?
Situation: A stranger helps you pick up your dropped groceries.
'خیلی لطف کردید' is the perfect way to thank a stranger for a helpful act.
Choose the best response to the compliment.
Person A: 'لباس شما خیلی زیباست!' Person B: '___________'
While 'Lotf kardid' is okay, 'Nazar-e lotfetoon ast' (It's your kind opinion) is the standard Ta'arof response to a compliment.
Which of these is the INFORMAL version of the phrase?
How would you say this to your younger brother?
The singular ending '-i' is used for informal relationships.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesآقا، شما خیلی لطف ______.
To be polite to 'Agha' (Sir), we must use the 2nd person plural past tense 'kardid'.
Situation: A stranger helps you pick up your dropped groceries.
'خیلی لطف کردید' is the perfect way to thank a stranger for a helpful act.
Person A: 'لباس شما خیلی زیباست!' Person B: '___________'
While 'Lotf kardid' is okay, 'Nazar-e lotfetoon ast' (It's your kind opinion) is the standard Ta'arof response to a compliment.
How would you say this to your younger brother?
The singular ending '-i' is used for informal relationships.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the perfect phrase for a teacher-student relationship.
Yes, it carries more emotional weight and respect than a simple 'Mamnoon'.
The most common response is 'Khahesh mikonam' (You're welcome/I request of you).
Absolutely. It's very common in the closing or opening of a polite email.
No, it strictly means 'Thank you'.
In Persian, using the plural for one person is a sign of respect (honorific).
Yes, it is completely gender-neutral.
No, it needs the verb 'kardid' to be grammatically complete.
Yes, though the pronunciation and some verb forms may differ slightly.
You can say 'Lotf farmoodid'.
Related Phrases
ممنونم
synonymI am grateful
زحمت کشیدید
similarYou went to trouble
شما لطف دارید
builds onYou have kindness
دست شما درد نکند
similarMay your hand not ache
بزرگواری کردید
specialized formYou acted with greatness
