Meaning
To request assistance or support from another person.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means you might have to ask for help more than once, or the other person might offer it multiple times before you accept. In Dari Persian, 'Yāri khāstan' is very common and carries a strong sense of communal solidarity. Tajik Persian often uses 'Madad' more frequently in daily speech compared to Tehrani Persian. Second-generation Iranians often struggle with the 'az' preposition, frequently using 'be' due to English influence.
The 'Az' Rule
Always remember: Help comes FROM (az) people in Persian. If you say 'be', you are helping them!
Softening the Request
Use 'mishé' (is it possible) before the phrase to sound much more like a native speaker.
Meaning
To request assistance or support from another person.
The 'Az' Rule
Always remember: Help comes FROM (az) people in Persian. If you say 'be', you are helping them!
Softening the Request
Use 'mishé' (is it possible) before the phrase to sound much more like a native speaker.
Silent 'Vav'
In 'khāstan', the 'v' (و) is silent. Don't pronounce it as 'khavastan'!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
من باید ... برادرم کمک بخواهم.
In Persian, you always ask for help 'from' (az) someone.
Which sentence is a polite request?
Choose the best option:
Using 'mitunid' or 'mitavanam' makes the request polite and standard.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: 'ماشینم خراب شده.' علی: 'چرا ...؟'
Ali is asking why Sara doesn't seek help from him.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Asking a professor for guidance.
'Khāstan' is the act of requesting the help.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن باید ... برادرم کمک بخواهم.
In Persian, you always ask for help 'from' (az) someone.
Choose the best option:
Using 'mitunid' or 'mitavanam' makes the request polite and standard.
سارا: 'ماشینم خراب شده.' علی: 'چرا ...؟'
Ali is asking why Sara doesn't seek help from him.
Asking a professor for guidance.
'Khāstan' is the act of requesting the help.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'از خدا کمک خواستن' is very common and natural.
It's better to use 'Ta'arof' phrases like 'bebakhshid' (sorry) first.
'Komak' is everyday; 'yāri' is poetic and formal.
You can say 'کمک لازم دارم' or 'به کمک نیاز دارم', but 'کمک میخواهم' is more active.
It's a historical spelling remnant from Middle Persian that is no longer pronounced.
Yes, to show you are a team player: 'من از همکارانم کمک میخواهم.'
Yes, if you mention the person you are asking, 'az' is mandatory.
میتونی به من کمک کنی؟ (Note: here you use 'be' because you are the receiver of the action 'helping').
'Ye dasti be ma beresun' (Reach a hand to me).
Yes, but often as 'estemdad kardan'.
Related Phrases
کمک کردن به
contrastTo help someone
یاری رساندن
synonymTo provide aid
دست کسی را گرفتن
similarTo give someone a hand
پشتیبانی کردن
specialized formTo support
نجات دادن
builds onTo save/rescue
