Meaning
A polite request for someone to take a seat.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Bala' (the top of the room) is vital. When someone says 'Lotfan benshinid,' they will often point to the seat furthest from the entrance, which is the seat of honor. On the Metro, young people are expected to offer their seats to the elderly. Saying 'Lotfan benshinid' is a common way to show you were raised with good 'Tarbiat' (upbringing). In a meeting, no one sits until the highest-ranking person or the host says 'Lotfan benshinid' or sits down themselves. It's a sign of hierarchy. In homes without chairs, 'benshinid' refers to sitting on the carpet. You should remove your shoes before following this command and entering the carpeted area.
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany 'Lotfan benshinid' with a palm-up gesture toward the seat. It makes the invitation feel much warmer.
Avoid 'Beshin' with Elders
Even if you are trying to be friendly, 'Beshin' can sound like a command you'd give to a dog. Stick to 'Benshinid'.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to take a seat.
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany 'Lotfan benshinid' with a palm-up gesture toward the seat. It makes the invitation feel much warmer.
Avoid 'Beshin' with Elders
Even if you are trying to be friendly, 'Beshin' can sound like a command you'd give to a dog. Stick to 'Benshinid'.
The Ta'arof Loop
If they say 'Na, mamnun' (No, thanks), say it again! In Iran, you often have to offer three times before someone accepts.
Tea follows the seat
In Persian culture, once someone sits, the clock starts for you to bring them tea. It's the unspoken rule of the 'Benshinid'.
Test Yourself
You are at a job interview. The interviewer says: 'Hello, ______.' Which is the most appropriate?
سلام، ________.
In a job interview, you must use the formal plural form 'benshinid' with 'lotfan'.
Complete the sentence to politely ask an elderly person to sit on the bus.
ببخشید آقا، لطفاً اینجا ________.
The plural ending '-id' is required for respect toward an elder.
Match the phrase to the relationship.
1. لطفاً بنشینید 2. بشین
Formal for boss, informal for brother.
Complete the dialogue between a host and a guest.
میزبان: خوش آمدید! بفرمایید داخل. مهمان: خیلی ممنون. میزبان: خواهش میکنم، لطفاً ________.
After welcoming someone inside, the next logical step in hospitality is inviting them to sit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسلام، ________.
In a job interview, you must use the formal plural form 'benshinid' with 'lotfan'.
ببخشید آقا، لطفاً اینجا ________.
The plural ending '-id' is required for respect toward an elder.
1. لطفاً بنشینید 2. بشین
Formal for boss, informal for brother.
میزبان: خوش آمدید! بفرمایید داخل. مهمان: خیلی ممنون. میزبان: خواهش میکنم، لطفاً ________.
After welcoming someone inside, the next logical step in hospitality is inviting them to sit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the perfect phrase for a boss. It is respectful and professional.
You still say it! It means 'take a seat on the carpet' or 'make yourself comfortable'.
Not mandatory, but without it, 'Benshinid' sounds more like a command. 'Lotfan' adds the necessary politeness.
They are the same. 'Benshinid' is the more 'correct' written form, while 'Beshinid' is how it's often pronounced in daily conversation.
Yes! Since it's already plural, it works for one person (polite) or many people.
Say 'Lotfan naneshinid' (لطفاً ننشینید), but this is rarely used unless a chair is broken!
Yes, if you are pointing at a chair, 'Befarma'id' alone is a very common shorthand for 'Please sit'.
That is the suffix for 'you' (plural). In Persian, plural equals polite.
You can, but it sounds like you are being very formal or perhaps a bit sarcastic. 'Beshin' is better for kids.
That would be 'Khahesh mikonam, jolus befarmayid', but that's only for kings and presidents!
Related Phrases
بفرمایید
similarPlease/Go ahead
بشین
specialized formSit (informal)
بفرمایید بنشینید
builds onPlease, go ahead and sit
بایستید
contrastStand up (formal)
راحت باشید
similarBe comfortable
