Meaning
Expressing one's preference or choice among options.
Cultural Background
When a host offers you something multiple times (Ta'arof), using 'tarjih midaham' can be a gentle way to finally accept or decline a specific option while showing you have a clear mind. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, the shortened 'tarjih midam' is used constantly to navigate traffic choices (Snapp vs. Metro) and food delivery apps. In Iranian business culture, being too blunt can be seen as aggressive. 'Tarjih midaham' allows a subordinate to suggest an alternative to a boss's idea politely. In Persian literature and academia, 'tarjih' is often used to discuss the merits of different philosophical schools or poetic styles.
Drop the 'Ke'
In casual conversation, you can drop 'ke' before the subjunctive verb. 'Tarjih midam beram' sounds very native.
Watch the Prepositions
Always use 'be' for the thing you are NOT choosing. 'A be B tarjih dādan'.
Meaning
Expressing one's preference or choice among options.
Drop the 'Ke'
In casual conversation, you can drop 'ke' before the subjunctive verb. 'Tarjih midam beram' sounds very native.
Watch the Prepositions
Always use 'be' for the thing you are NOT choosing. 'A be B tarjih dādan'.
Polite Refusal
Use this phrase to decline food or drinks politely without saying a flat 'No'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dādan' and the following verb.
من ترجیح _______ (give) که امروز _______ (go - subjunctive) به بازار.
The first verb must match 'Man' (I), and the second must be in the subjunctive 'beravam'.
Which sentence correctly compares two things?
How do you say 'I prefer tea to coffee'?
The preferred item takes 'rā', and the compared item takes 'be'.
Complete the dialogue with a polite preference.
میزبان: چای میخورید یا شربت؟ مهمان: خیلی ممنون، من _______.
While all are grammatically okay, 'tarjih midaham' is the most precise way to choose between the two offered options.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
3 exercisesمن ترجیح _______ (give) که امروز _______ (go - subjunctive) به بازار.
The first verb must match 'Man' (I), and the second must be in the subjunctive 'beravam'.
How do you say 'I prefer tea to coffee'?
The preferred item takes 'rā', and the compared item takes 'be'.
میزبان: چای میخورید یا شربت؟ مهمان: خیلی ممنون، من _______.
While all are grammatically okay, 'tarjih midaham' is the most precise way to choose between the two offered options.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsThe full 'midaham' is formal, but the shortened 'midam' is perfect for friends.
Yes, Persian is a pro-drop language. 'Tarjih midaham' is enough.
It is 'tarjih dādam' (I preferred).
Use the past perfect subjunctive: 'Tarjih midādam ke ... rafte budam'.
Related Phrases
دوست داشتن
similarTo like/love
انتخاب کردن
similarTo choose
اولویت داشتن
specialized formTo have priority
مایل بودن
similarTo be inclined/willing
