Meaning
A phrase to indicate one has lost their way.
Cultural Background
Iranians are extremely helpful to lost strangers. If you say 'Man gom shodam', expect people to stop what they are doing to help you. This is part of the 'Mehmānvāzi' culture. In Tajikistan, the phrase is the same, but you might also hear 'Ghashtam' in some dialects. The hospitality remains a core value. Tehran is a massive, sprawling city with confusing street names that change often. Even locals 'gom mishavand' (get lost) frequently, so there is no shame in admitting it. The concept of 'being lost' is a major theme in Sufi poetry, representing the soul's search for the divine. Being 'lost in God' (Fana) is actually a goal.
Drop the 'Man'
In casual conversation, just say 'Gom shodam'. It sounds more natural and native.
The Rude Version
Be careful with 'Gom sho!' (Get lost!). It's very aggressive. Always use 'shodam' for yourself.
Meaning
A phrase to indicate one has lost their way.
Drop the 'Man'
In casual conversation, just say 'Gom shodam'. It sounds more natural and native.
The Rude Version
Be careful with 'Gom sho!' (Get lost!). It's very aggressive. Always use 'shodam' for yourself.
Use with 'Bebakhshid'
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) to be polite when telling a stranger you are lost.
Ta'arof Alert
If someone offers to help, they might be doing Ta'arof. Thank them profusely.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase for 'I am lost'.
ببخشید، من ________.
'Gom shodam' is the correct way to say you became lost. 'Gom kardam' means you lost an object.
Complete the sentence to say 'We got lost in the bazaar'.
ما در بازار ________.
The verb must agree with 'Mā' (We), which takes the ending '-im'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on the phone with a friend and can't find their house.
When you can't find a location, you say you are lost.
Fill in the missing line.
A: سلام، کجایی؟ B: سلام، ببخشید ________.
In the context of being asked 'Where are you?' when late, 'I am lost' is a logical answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، من ________.
'Gom shodam' is the correct way to say you became lost. 'Gom kardam' means you lost an object.
ما در بازار ________.
The verb must agree with 'Mā' (We), which takes the ending '-im'.
You are on the phone with a friend and can't find their house.
When you can't find a location, you say you are lost.
A: سلام، کجایی؟ B: سلام، ببخشید ________.
In the context of being asked 'Where are you?' when late, 'I am lost' is a logical answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes! 'Tooy-e in ketāb gom shodam' is a very common way to say you're confused by the plot.
'Gom shodam' is 'I am lost'. 'Rāh rā gom kardam' is 'I lost the way'. The latter is slightly more formal.
You say 'Man gom nashodam'. Just add 'na' before 'shodam'.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase to use with authorities if you need help.
Yes, 'gom' refers to something that is not in its place or is missing.
Related Phrases
راه را گم کردن
similarTo lose the way
پیدا کردن
contrastTo find
آدرس پرسیدن
builds onTo ask for an address
سرگردان بودن
specialized formTo be wandering aimlessly
