Meaning
Expressing uncertainty or doubt about a piece of information or a decision.
Cultural Background
Iranians use 'Motma'en nistam' to avoid the 'evil eye' or sounding too arrogant about future plans (Inshallah is often added). In Iranian business, being 'not sure' can be a tactic to negotiate better terms or wait for a higher authority's approval. In Persian universities, students use this phrase to show 'Elmi' (scientific) humility when answering complex questions. Parents often use this phrase with children to delay giving a definitive 'No' to a request for a toy or treat.
Drop the 'Man'
To sound more like a native speaker, drop the 'Man' and just say 'Motma'en nistam'.
Don't say 'Motma'en nadāram'
This is a common mistake. Remember: You ARE sure, you don't HAVE sure.
Meaning
Expressing uncertainty or doubt about a piece of information or a decision.
Drop the 'Man'
To sound more like a native speaker, drop the 'Man' and just say 'Motma'en nistam'.
Don't say 'Motma'en nadāram'
This is a common mistake. Remember: You ARE sure, you don't HAVE sure.
Add 'Vāghe'an'
Add 'Vāghe'an' (really) before 'motma'en' to show you've really thought about it: 'Vāghe'an motma'en nistam'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'to be' (negative).
من در مورد این موضوع مطمئن ______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'nistam' (I am not).
Which sentence is the most polite way to say you don't know if you can attend a party?
دوستتان شما را به مهمانی دعوت میکند. چه میگویید؟
'Motma'en nistam' is softer and more polite than a direct 'No' or 'I don't know'.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: آیا علی امروز به مدرسه میآید؟ شما: __________________، چون مریض بود.
The context of 'because he was sick' implies uncertainty.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are asked for the time but your watch is broken.
This expresses that you don't have the exact information.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن در مورد این موضوع مطمئن ______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'nistam' (I am not).
دوستتان شما را به مهمانی دعوت میکند. چه میگویید؟
'Motma'en nistam' is softer and more polite than a direct 'No' or 'I don't know'.
سارا: آیا علی امروز به مدرسه میآید؟ شما: __________________، چون مریض بود.
The context of 'because he was sick' implies uncertainty.
Situation: You are asked for the time but your watch is broken.
This expresses that you don't have the exact information.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. It's safe to use with your boss, your teacher, or your friends.
Yes, 'Man be ū motma'en nistam' means 'I don't trust him/her' or 'I'm not sure about him/her'.
The opposite is 'Man motma'en hastam' (I am sure) or simply 'Motma'enam'.
You can say 'Sad dar sad motma'enam'.
It's similar, but 'I'm not sure' implies you have some information but aren't certain it's correct.
In texting, people often just write 'مطمئن نیستم'.
Yes, 'Motma'en nabūdam' (I wasn't sure).
It's part of the culture of politeness and avoiding direct conflict (Ta'arof).
'Shak dāram' is more like 'I suspect it's wrong', while 'Motma'en nistam' is 'I don't know if it's right'.
Yes, 'Motma'en nistam kojāst' (I'm not sure where it is).
Related Phrases
نمیدونم
similarI don't know
شک دارم
similarI have doubt
شاید
relatedMaybe
خدا میداند
specialized formGod knows
مطمئنم
contrastI am sure
