Meaning
To try to charm or impress someone romantically, often with the intention of seduction.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, 'mokh-zani' is almost considered a sport among young men. There are even 'mokh-zani' tips shared in private Telegram groups. Instagram 'Directs' are the primary battlefield for 'mokh-zani' today. The phrase 'Direct zadan' is often used synonymously with starting the process of 'mokh-zani'. While traditionally male-centric, modern Iranian women also use the term to describe their own efforts or to mock men's failed attempts. Persians love to bargain. Sometimes 'mokh zadan' is used playfully in shops to describe a customer who is very good at getting a discount.
Use with 'ro'
Always remember the object marker 'ro' or 'o' after the person's name or the word 'mokh'.
Not for Work
Never tell your boss you 'hit their brain' unless you have a very informal relationship and are joking.
Meaning
To try to charm or impress someone romantically, often with the intention of seduction.
Use with 'ro'
Always remember the object marker 'ro' or 'o' after the person's name or the word 'mokh'.
Not for Work
Never tell your boss you 'hit their brain' unless you have a very informal relationship and are joking.
The 'Possessive' Shortcut
Instead of saying 'Mokh-e Sara ro zadam', just say 'Mokh-esho zadam' if everyone knows you're talking about Sara.
Zaban-bazi
To be good at 'mokh zadan', you need 'zaban-bazi' (verbal agility). Iranians value poetic and clever speech.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'mokh zadan'.
دیشب علی داشت مخ سارا رو ....... ولی سارا محلش نذاشت.
The past continuous 'mi-zad' is needed to show an ongoing action in the past.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I convinced my teacher'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Mokh zadan' is the correct idiom for persuasion.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You want to tell your friend that a boy is flirting with a girl at a party.
'Mokh zadan' is the specific slang for flirting/hitting on someone.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چطوری راضیش کردی بیاد؟ B: هیچی، انقدر حرف زدم تا بالاخره .......
The context of 'convincing someone' after talking a lot fits 'mokh zadan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Who can you 'Mokh Zadan'?
Safe
- • Friends
- • Crush
- • Siblings
Risky
- • Parents
- • Sellers
Avoid
- • Boss
- • Professor
- • Grandparents
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیشب علی داشت مخ سارا رو ....... ولی سارا محلش نذاشت.
The past continuous 'mi-zad' is needed to show an ongoing action in the past.
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Mokh zadan' is the correct idiom for persuasion.
Situation: You want to tell your friend that a boy is flirting with a girl at a party.
'Mokh zadan' is the specific slang for flirting/hitting on someone.
A: چطوری راضیش کردی بیاد؟ B: هیچی، انقدر حرف زدم تا بالاخره .......
The context of 'convincing someone' after talking a lot fits 'mokh zadan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's not offensive, but it's very informal. It's like 'hitting on someone'—fine with friends, weird with your boss.
Yes, absolutely. Women use it to describe men hitting on them or even themselves hitting on someone.
The formal version is 'jazb kardan' (to attract) or 'ghane kardan' (to convince).
No, it can also mean persuading someone to do a favor or change their mind.
Mokh-esho zadam (I hit his/her brain), Mokh-esho zadi (You hit...), etc.
'Maghz' is the medical/formal word. 'Mokh' is the slang/colloquial word.
No, for brainwashing use 'shostoshu-ye maghzi'.
It's a noun meaning a person who is very good at charming others (a player).
Yes, it's very common in Persian Rap and Pop music.
Yes, you can say 'mokh-e hamaro zad' (He convinced everyone).
You can say 'natunestam mokhosho bezanam' (I couldn't hit his/her brain).
Maybe not *to* the person, but you can tell your friends about it later!
Related Phrases
پا دادن
similarTo give a green light / to show interest back
تور کردن
similarTo net/catch someone
مخزنی
specialized formThe act of flirting/charming
زبون ریختن
similarTo pour tongue (to sweet-talk)
آمار گرفتن
builds onTo check someone out / get info on them
