Meaning
To make a solemn declaration to do something.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ghol-e Mardāne' (Manly Promise) is used by all genders to signify a sacred, unbreakable bond. It stems from ancient codes of chivalry. In traditional Iranian markets, a verbal 'qowl' is often more important than a signed paper. A merchant who breaks their word loses their 'etebar' (credit/reputation). Promises are often accompanied by 'Enshā'allāh' (God willing). This isn't necessarily an excuse to break it, but an acknowledgment that human plans are subject to divine will. Be aware that sometimes people 'qowl' out of politeness to avoid saying 'no'. If the promise seems vague, it might be Ta'arof.
The 'Dige' Add-on
If someone keeps asking you if you'll do something, say 'Qowl dādam dige!' (I already promised, okay!). It shows you are serious and they should stop asking.
Don't over-promise
In Iran, being 'bad-qowl' (unreliable) is a major social flaw. It's better to say 'I'll try' than to give a 'qowl' you can't keep.
Meaning
To make a solemn declaration to do something.
The 'Dige' Add-on
If someone keeps asking you if you'll do something, say 'Qowl dādam dige!' (I already promised, okay!). It shows you are serious and they should stop asking.
Don't over-promise
In Iran, being 'bad-qowl' (unreliable) is a major social flaw. It's better to say 'I'll try' than to give a 'qowl' you can't keep.
Pinky Swears
Children in Iran do pinky swears just like in the West, often saying 'ghol-e bachegi' (childhood promise).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'dādan'.
من به دوستم قول _______ که به مهمانی بروم.
The past tense of 'dādan' for 'I' is 'dādam'.
Which phrase means 'to break a promise'?
کدام گزینه به معنی شکستن قول است؟
'Zir-e qowl zadan' is the idiomatic way to say someone broke their word.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: قول میدی فردا بیای؟ علی: بله، _______ میدم.
'Qowl-e mardāne' is the most natural way to emphasize a promise in this context.
Match the adjective to the person.
کسی که همیشه به قولش عمل میکند چیست؟
'Khosh-qowl' means someone who is good at keeping promises.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن به دوستم قول _______ که به مهمانی بروم.
The past tense of 'dādan' for 'I' is 'dādam'.
کدام گزینه به معنی شکستن قول است؟
'Zir-e qowl zadan' is the idiomatic way to say someone broke their word.
سارا: قول میدی فردا بیای؟ علی: بله، _______ میدم.
'Qowl-e mardāne' is the most natural way to emphasize a promise in this context.
کسی که همیشه به قولش عمل میکند چیست؟
'Khosh-qowl' means someone who is good at keeping promises.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, for that use 'Ghasam mikhoram' (I swear) or 'Motma'enam' (I'm sure). 'Qowl' is for future actions.
The opposite is 'bad-qowl' (someone who doesn't keep promises).
You say 'Sar-e qowlam hastam' (I am on my promise) or 'Be qowlam amal mikonam'.
In Persian, yes. In Arabic, it just means 'saying', so be careful if you speak both languages!
Yes, 'Be to qowl midaham' is exactly that.
While it literally means 'manly promise', it's a traditional idiom used by all genders to mean 'word of honor'.
You would say 'Mote'asefam ke zir-e qowlam zadam' (I'm sorry I broke my promise).
Yes, it's called 'ghol-e angoshti' but 'qowl dādan' is the verbal version.
No, it must be paired with 'dādan' or another light verb.
Related Phrases
وعده دادن
similarTo promise (often formal or political)
تعهد کردن
specialized formTo commit/undertake
شرط بستن
relatedTo bet/make a condition
قسم خوردن
builds onTo swear an oath
زیر قول زدن
contrastTo break a promise
