Meaning
A polite request for information or to be told something.
Cultural Background
In Iran, using the plural 'you' (Shoma) and plural verbs is not just about grammar; it's about 'shakhsiat' (character). Being polite shows you are well-bred. In Dari Persian, the phrase is almost identical, but the pronunciation of 'Lotfan' might be slightly more clipped, and 'beguyid' is very common in formal speech. Tajiki uses the Cyrillic script, but the phrase remains 'Лутфан ба ман гӯед' (Lutfan ba man guyed). The preposition 'ba' is used instead of 'be'. In the US or Europe, younger Iranians might mix this with English, but they still use the formal version when speaking to elders in the community.
The 'Spoken' Shortcut
If you want to sound more like a local, say 'begid' instead of 'beguyid'.
Don't Forget 'Be'
English speakers often say 'Tell me' (no 'to'). In Persian, you MUST say 'To me' (be man).
Meaning
A polite request for information or to be told something.
The 'Spoken' Shortcut
If you want to sound more like a local, say 'begid' instead of 'beguyid'.
Don't Forget 'Be'
English speakers often say 'Tell me' (no 'to'). In Persian, you MUST say 'To me' (be man).
Eye Contact
When saying this to a stranger, a small nod of the head shows extra respect.
Softening the Request
Add 'bebakhshid' (excuse me) before the phrase for maximum politeness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
لطفاً ___ من بگویید ساعت چند است؟
The preposition 'به' (to) is required after 'Lotfan' and before 'man' when using the verb 'goftan'.
Which of the following is the most appropriate for asking a teacher for help?
Asking a teacher to explain a lesson:
This option uses both 'Lotfan' and the formal plural 'beguyid', which is respectful for a teacher.
Complete the dialogue at the airport.
مسافر: ببخشید، ___ خروجی کجاست؟ کارمند: مستقیم بروید، سمت راست.
This is the standard polite way to start an inquiry with an airport employee.
Match the phrase to the correct social situation.
Match 'لطفاً به من بگویید' with its best context:
The formal register is perfect for strangers.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Lotfan be man beguyid'
Travel
- • Airport
- • Hotel
- • Taxi
Daily Life
- • Bakery
- • Bank
- • Street
Formal
- • Office
- • University
- • Doctor
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً ___ من بگویید ساعت چند است؟
The preposition 'به' (to) is required after 'Lotfan' and before 'man' when using the verb 'goftan'.
Asking a teacher to explain a lesson:
This option uses both 'Lotfan' and the formal plural 'beguyid', which is respectful for a teacher.
مسافر: ببخشید، ___ خروجی کجاست؟ کارمند: مستقیم بروید، سمت راست.
This is the standard polite way to start an inquiry with an airport employee.
Match 'لطفاً به من بگویید' with its best context:
The formal register is perfect for strangers.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn formal settings, yes. Without it, the imperative 'beguyid' can sound like a command, even if it's plural.
Absolutely. It is the most appropriate way for a student to ask a teacher for information.
'Beguyid' is the written/formal form. 'Begid' is the spoken/colloquial form. Both are polite because they are plural.
Change 'man' to 'oo'. 'Lotfan be oo beguyid'.
Yes, it is very common in formal correspondence when requesting data or clarification.
Yes, 'khahesh mikonam' is even more polite and means 'I beg of you'.
In Persian, the verb 'goftan' is transitive and requires the preposition 'be' to indicate the recipient of the speech.
Yes, dropping 'be man' is common if it's obvious you are the one asking.
You can start with 'Bale, hatman' (Yes, certainly) and then provide the information.
No, Persian has no grammatical gender. It's the same for everyone!
Related Phrases
میشه بگید
similarCan you say?
بفرمایید
specialized formPlease go ahead/speak.
توضیح دهید
specialized formPlease explain.
بهم بگو
informalTell me.
