Meaning
Used to ask for confirmation or to express doubt about someone's certainty.
Cultural Background
Asking 'Motma'ennid?' is a key part of navigating Ta'arof. It allows the other person to confirm their offer is sincere and not just a polite gesture. In the Tehrani dialect, the 'd' at the end of 'Motma'ennid' is often replaced with an 'n', making it 'Motma'ennin?'. This is very common in casual urban speech. In Iranian business, verbal confirmation is often as important as written. Asking 'Motma'ennid?' before closing a deal is a way to ensure 'Ghol-o-Gharar' (the verbal agreement) is solid. The concept of 'Itmi'nan' (certainty) is a high virtue. Being a 'Motma'en' person means being reliable and steady.
The Rule of Three
In Ta'arof, ask 'Motma'ennid?' three times if someone offers you something. If they say 'Yes' all three times, they mean it!
Tone Matters
A rising intonation makes it a question. A flat intonation can make it sound like you are judging them.
Meaning
Used to ask for confirmation or to express doubt about someone's certainty.
The Rule of Three
In Ta'arof, ask 'Motma'ennid?' three times if someone offers you something. If they say 'Yes' all three times, they mean it!
Tone Matters
A rising intonation makes it a question. A flat intonation can make it sound like you are judging them.
The 'Escape Hatch'
Use this phrase to give your Iranian friends a polite way to back out of a promise they might have made just to be nice.
Shortening
In texting, you can just write 'مطمئنی؟' to save time, even if you are being slightly formal.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct formal form of 'Are you sure?'
ببخشید آقا، شما ________؟
Since the speaker says 'Agha' (Sir) and 'Shoma' (You formal), the verb must end in 'id'.
Fill in the missing preposition.
من ____ این موضوع مطمئن نیستم.
In Persian, the adjective 'Motma'en' is always followed by the preposition 'az' (from/about).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
دوست: فردا تولد مریم است. شما: ________؟ من فکر کردم هفته بعد است.
Since you are talking to a friend (informal) and questioning a fact, 'Motma'enni?' is the perfect fit.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a formal business meeting?
'Motma'ennid?' is the standard formal/neutral version appropriate for business.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید آقا، شما ________؟
Since the speaker says 'Agha' (Sir) and 'Shoma' (You formal), the verb must end in 'id'.
من ____ این موضوع مطمئن نیستم.
In Persian, the adjective 'Motma'en' is always followed by the preposition 'az' (from/about).
دوست: فردا تولد مریم است. شما: ________؟ من فکر کردم هفته بعد است.
Since you are talking to a friend (informal) and questioning a fact, 'Motma'enni?' is the perfect fit.
Which phrase fits a formal business meeting?
'Motma'ennid?' is the standard formal/neutral version appropriate for business.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsMostly, yes. But it can also mean 'Are you confident?' or 'Are you certain?'.
Yes, it is perfectly polite for a professional setting.
'Motma'ennid' is more common in speech. 'Etminan darid' is more formal and written.
Say 'Bale, مطمئنم' (Bale, motma'ennam).
Usually no, but if you ask it too many times about a simple fact, it might seem like you think the person is lying.
Yes, 'Motma'enni khubi?' is a common way to check on a friend.
That is the Tehrani accent. The 'd' changes to 'n'.
'Motma'ennid' is already the plural form!
'Motma'en nistam' (I'm not sure).
Yes, especially when confirming a price.
Constantly! It's a staple of dramatic dialogue.
Yes, 'Az man motma'ennid?'.
Related Phrases
شک داشتن
contrastTo have doubt
واقعاً؟
similarReally?
حتماً
builds onDefinitely
اطمینان داشتن
synonymTo have certainty
بیشک
specialized formUndoubtedly
