Meaning
A direct and polite request for assistance.
Cultural Background
Iranians are known for 'Mehmannavazi' (hospitality). If you use this phrase, don't be surprised if the person goes out of their way to walk you to your destination. In Dari, the phrase is almost identical: 'Lotfan komakam konid'. The cultural emphasis on helping travelers is equally strong. In Tajik (Cyrillic script), it is 'Лутфан, ба ман кӯмак кунед'. The word 'Lutfan' is used, but 'ba man' (to me) is more common than the enclitic.
Eye Contact
When saying this to a stranger, a small nod or slight bow of the head adds to the politeness.
The 'Mishe' trick
Adding 'Mishe' (Is it possible) before the phrase makes you sound like a pro at Persian etiquette.
Meaning
A direct and polite request for assistance.
Eye Contact
When saying this to a stranger, a small nod or slight bow of the head adds to the politeness.
The 'Mishe' trick
Adding 'Mishe' (Is it possible) before the phrase makes you sound like a pro at Persian etiquette.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase to ask a stranger for help.
لطفاً کمک__ کنید.
The enclitic '-am' (written as 'م' after a vowel-less consonant) means 'me'.
Which one is the most polite for a stranger?
Asking for help:
'Lotfan' + the '-id' ending is the standard polite form.
Complete the dialogue.
Learner: ببخشید خانم، _______. Local: بله، بفرمایید.
The context of 'Excuse me' followed by 'Yes, go ahead' implies a request for help.
Match the phrase to the person.
To a close friend:
Informal situations use the singular imperative 'kon'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Lotfan komakam konid'
Travel
- • Finding the gate
- • Buying a ticket
- • Lost luggage
Daily Life
- • Heavy bags
- • Opening a jar
- • Finding an address
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً کمک__ کنید.
The enclitic '-am' (written as 'م' after a vowel-less consonant) means 'me'.
Asking for help:
'Lotfan' + the '-id' ending is the standard polite form.
Learner: ببخشید خانم، _______. Local: بله، بفرمایید.
The context of 'Excuse me' followed by 'Yes, go ahead' implies a request for help.
To a close friend:
Informal situations use the singular imperative 'kon'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it's perfect for asking a driver for help with luggage or finding a specific spot.
In formal Persian, yes. Without it, the phrase sounds like a command, which can be jarring.
The phrase is gender-neutral. It is perfectly safe and polite for everyone.
Related Phrases
میشه کمکم کنید؟
similarIs it possible for you to help me?
دستت درد نکنه
builds onMay your hand not hurt.
یاری کردن
synonymTo assist
