Meaning
Said to someone you haven't seen in a while, literally 'you've become rare'.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'Ghele' (affectionate complaining). If you don't use it, you might seem indifferent to the person's absence. In Tehran, young people might shorten it to just 'Kam peyda!' as they walk past someone they know. In Afghanistan, a similar sentiment is expressed, though 'Kam peyda' is understood, they might also say 'Ghayeb hasti' (You are absent). In Iranian business, this phrase is used to maintain 'warmth' before getting into serious negotiations if the parties haven't met in a while.
The 'Ta'arof' Rebound
When someone says this to you, always respond with 'Zir-e saye-ye shoma-yim' (We are under your shadow) to be extra polite.
Don't use for objects
Remember, this is for people. If you lose your phone, don't say the phone is 'Kam peyda'.
Meaning
Said to someone you haven't seen in a while, literally 'you've become rare'.
The 'Ta'arof' Rebound
When someone says this to you, always respond with 'Zir-e saye-ye shoma-yim' (We are under your shadow) to be extra polite.
Don't use for objects
Remember, this is for people. If you lose your phone, don't say the phone is 'Kam peyda'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
سلام علی! خیلی وقت بود ندیده بودمت، واقعاً ____ شدی!
The phrase 'کم پیدا شدی' is the standard way to tell someone they haven't been seen for a while.
Which response is the most natural when someone says 'Kam peyda shodi' to you?
Person A: کم پیدا شدی! Person B: _______
It is culturally expected to provide a brief, polite excuse for your absence.
Match the idiom to the situation.
You haven't seen your best friend in 3 months and you want to be playful.
'Setare-ye Soheyl' is a more idiomatic and playful version of 'Kam peyda.'
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
مادر: پسرم، چرا به ما سر نمیزنی؟ خیلی ____. پسر: حق با شماست مامان، قول میدم زودتر بیام.
Mothers often use 'Kam peyda-yi' to gently guilt-trip their children into visiting more.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسلام علی! خیلی وقت بود ندیده بودمت، واقعاً ____ شدی!
The phrase 'کم پیدا شدی' is the standard way to tell someone they haven't been seen for a while.
Person A: کم پیدا شدی! Person B: _______
It is culturally expected to provide a brief, polite excuse for your absence.
You haven't seen your best friend in 3 months and you want to be playful.
'Setare-ye Soheyl' is a more idiomatic and playful version of 'Kam peyda.'
مادر: پسرم، چرا به ما سر نمیزنی؟ خیلی ____. پسر: حق با شماست مامان، قول میدم زودتر بیام.
Mothers often use 'Kam peyda-yi' to gently guilt-trip their children into visiting more.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's actually the opposite! It's a way of showing you care and noticed the person was gone.
It's better to use a more formal version like 'Modati bud nadide budimetan.'
Usually at least a week or two for regular acquaintances, or a few months for family.
Related Phrases
ستاره سهیل
synonymThe Canopus star (rarely seen)
نیستی
informalYou aren't [here]
راه گم کردی
similarDid you lose your way?
دیر به دیر
builds onSlowly/Rarely
