Meaning
Expressing a lack of possession of something.
Cultural Background
In Iran, it is common to use 'شرمنده' (sharmandeh) before 'ندارم' to show respect, especially when refusing a request from a stranger. The usage is identical, but the pronunciation might be slightly more clipped in some regions. Tajik Persian (Tajiki) uses the same structure, though the script is Cyrillic (надорам).
Drop the pronoun
You don't need to say 'من'. Just 'ندارم' is enough.
Be polite
Add 'متأسفم' before saying you don't have something.
Meaning
Expressing a lack of possession of something.
Drop the pronoun
You don't need to say 'من'. Just 'ندارم' is enough.
Be polite
Add 'متأسفم' before saying you don't have something.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
من ________ (don't have) وقت.
The verb 'داشتن' negated is 'ندارم'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
Persian follows Subject-Object-Verb order.
Match the English to the Persian.
Match 'I don't have a pen' to the Persian.
Direct translation of possession negation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Do you have the key? B: No, ________.
Responding to a question about possession.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ________ (don't have) وقت.
The verb 'داشتن' negated is 'ندارم'.
Choose the correct sentence.
Persian follows Subject-Object-Verb order.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation of possession negation.
A: Do you have the key? B: No, ________.
Responding to a question about possession.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, for anything you don't possess.
Not inherently, but add 'sorry' to be safe.
Use 'نداشتم'.
Still use 'ندارم'.
No, use 'ندارم' for objects/abstracts.
It is neutral.
'دارم' (I have).
Yes, 'نداری' (you don't have).
Related Phrases
نداشتن
specialized formTo not have (infinitive)
نیست
contrastIt is not (there)
دارم
contrastI have
