Meaning
Expressing a desire for something.
Cultural Background
In Iran, using 'mikhāham' is common, but adding 'lotfan' (please) at the end is essential for basic politeness. In shops, you might hear people say 'Dastetun dard nakone' (May your hand not hurt) after getting what they wanted. Tajik Persian (Tajiki) uses the same verb root, but the pronunciation might lean more towards 'mekhoham'. The usage remains identical for expressing desires. In Dari, 'mikhāham' is used, but you might also hear 'māyel hastam' more frequently in semi-formal situations compared to Tehran. Younger generations in Tehran often shorten everything. 'Mikhām' is the absolute standard. Using 'mikhāham' in a cool cafe might mark you as a tourist or very formal.
The 'Please' Rule
Always follow 'mikhāham' with 'lotfan' when asking for things to sound like a pro.
The Subjunctive Trap
Never use the infinitive (ending in -tan/-dan) after 'mikhāham'. Use the 'be-' form!
Meaning
Expressing a desire for something.
The 'Please' Rule
Always follow 'mikhāham' with 'lotfan' when asking for things to sound like a pro.
The Subjunctive Trap
Never use the infinitive (ending in -tan/-dan) after 'mikhāham'. Use the 'be-' form!
Spoken vs Written
If you want to sound natural, use 'mikhām'. If you want to sound educated/formal, use 'mikhāham'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'to want' for 'I'.
من یک لیوان آب ______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Which sentence correctly says 'I want to go'?
Choose the correct Persian translation:
After 'mikhāham', the second verb must be in the subjunctive (beravam).
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching personal pronouns with verb endings.
Complete the dialogue at the cafe.
Waiter: چی میل دارید؟ You: من یک قهوه ______.
You are expressing what you want to order.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can you want?
Objects
- • آب (Water)
- • نان (Bread)
- • کتاب (Book)
Actions
- • رفتن (To go)
- • خوردن (To eat)
- • خوابیدن (To sleep)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن یک لیوان آب ______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Choose the correct Persian translation:
After 'mikhāham', the second verb must be in the subjunctive (beravam).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching personal pronouns with verb endings.
Waiter: چی میل دارید؟ You: من یک قهوه ______.
You are expressing what you want to order.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is neutral. To be extra polite, use 'māyel hastam'.
Use 'mikhāstam' (میخواستم).
Yes, 'khāham' (without 'mi-') is used to form the future tense, but it's very formal.
No, the verb ending '-am' already means 'I'. You can just say 'mikhāham'.
'Mikhāham' is 'I want', 'lazem dāram' is 'I need'.
Add 'ne' to the beginning: 'nemikhāham'.
It's better to say 'mikhāham bā ham birun berim' (I want us to go out together).
In modern standard Persian, no. It's strictly a spelling convention.
Children often just say 'mikhām!' repeatedly when they want a toy.
Constantly. It represents the yearning of the soul.
Related Phrases
دوست دارم
similarI like / I love
مایلم
specialized formI am inclined
لازم دارم
similarI need
ترجیح میدهم
specialized formI prefer
طلب کردن
synonymTo demand/seek
