Meaning
A polite request for someone to display or point out something.
Cultural Background
When you ask someone to show you something, they might initially refuse payment or offer it as a gift. This is Ta'arof. Always insist on paying or thank them profusely. In Tehran, the 'ān' sound often becomes 'ūn'. So 'neshān' becomes 'neshūn'. Using 'neshūn' makes you sound more like a local. Iranians are extremely helpful. If you ask someone to show you the way, don't be surprised if they walk you to the destination themselves. In government offices, 'neshān dahid' is replaced by 'arā'e dahid' (present/submit). It's more formal and implies a requirement.
Use 'Be man'
Adding 'be man' (to me) makes the request clearer and more personal: 'Lotfan be man neshān dahid'.
Don't forget 'rā'
If you name the object, you MUST use 'rā'. Example: 'Kārt rā neshān dahid' (Show the card).
Meaning
A polite request for someone to display or point out something.
Use 'Be man'
Adding 'be man' (to me) makes the request clearer and more personal: 'Lotfan be man neshān dahid'.
Don't forget 'rā'
If you name the object, you MUST use 'rā'. Example: 'Kārt rā neshān dahid' (Show the card).
Smile and Nod
In Iran, politeness is as much about body language as words. A small nod when saying 'Lotfan' goes a long way.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing light verb in its polite form.
ببخشید، لطفاً راه را نشان ______.
The verb 'to show' is 'neshān dādan'. The polite imperative is 'dahid'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for asking a shopkeeper to see a shirt?
Asking to see a shirt:
This option is polite (Lotfan) and uses the correct formal verb form (dahid).
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Matching the registers is key to B1 mastery.
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a guide.
Tourist: ببخشید، موزه کجاست؟ Guide: روی این نقشه است. Tourist: متوجهم، اما لطفاً با انگشت ______.
The tourist is asking the guide to point (show) with their finger.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، لطفاً راه را نشان ______.
The verb 'to show' is 'neshān dādan'. The polite imperative is 'dahid'.
Asking to see a shirt:
This option is polite (Lotfan) and uses the correct formal verb form (dahid).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the registers is key to B1 mastery.
Tourist: ببخشید، موزه کجاست؟ Guide: روی این نقشه است. Tourist: متوجهم، اما لطفاً با انگشت ______.
The tourist is asking the guide to point (show) with their finger.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's perfect. It shows you are a respectful customer. You can use 'neshūn bedid' to sound more natural.
Yes, 'rāh rā neshān dahid' is the standard way to ask for directions.
'Neshān dādan' is general (show/point), while 'namāyesh dādan' is for performances, movies, or formal exhibitions.
Use the informal singular: 'Neshūn bede'.
Persian uses 'light verbs' like 'give', 'do', or 'hit' to create compound verbs. 'To give a sign' is just how Persian expresses 'to show'.
Related Phrases
توضیح دادن
similarTo explain
ارائه دادن
specialized formTo present/submit
اشاره کردن
similarTo point at
پنهان کردن
contrastTo hide
