Meaning
To compose and send written correspondence.
Cultural Background
Handwriting is highly valued. Even in the digital age, a handwritten thank-you note or a formal letter to a professor is seen as a sign of high 'Adab' (culture/etiquette). In Dari Persian, 'نامه' is also used, but 'مکتوب' (Maktub) is much more common for official government correspondence. Tajik Persian uses the Cyrillic script. The phrase is 'Нома нависед' (Noma navised). The cultural importance of poetry in letters is very strong here. The 'Insha' tradition (the art of composition) was a key part of education. Students spent years learning how to write letters with complex metaphors and rhythmic prose.
Use 'Yek'
Always use 'yek' (one/a) before 'nāme' unless you are talking about a specific letter.
Formal vs Informal
Don't use 'بنویسید' with your best friend; it sounds like you're their boss!
Meaning
To compose and send written correspondence.
Use 'Yek'
Always use 'yek' (one/a) before 'nāme' unless you are talking about a specific letter.
Formal vs Informal
Don't use 'بنویسید' with your best friend; it sounds like you're their boss!
Administrative Power
In Iran, if a verbal request fails, 'نامه بنویسید' is the magic phrase to get things moving officially.
Ta'arof in Ink
When writing, start with 'Ba arze salam' (With greetings) to be polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'to write' (imperative/formal).
لطفاً برای من یک نامه ________.
The word 'لطفاً' (please) and the context of a polite request require the formal imperative 'بنویسید'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal office setting?
How do you tell a colleague to write a letter to the boss?
This uses the correct preposition 'be' (to) and the formal verb form.
Match the Persian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
This tests your ability to distinguish between tenses and moods.
Complete the dialogue.
شخص الف: چطور میتوانم با مدیر تماس بگیرم؟ شخص ب: بهتر است یک ________.
In a formal context (contacting a manager), 'نامه بنویسید' is the most appropriate response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Imperative
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً برای من یک نامه ________.
The word 'لطفاً' (please) and the context of a polite request require the formal imperative 'بنویسید'.
How do you tell a colleague to write a letter to the boss?
This uses the correct preposition 'be' (to) and the formal verb form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This tests your ability to distinguish between tenses and moods.
شخص الف: چطور میتوانم با مدیر تماس بگیرم؟ شخص ب: بهتر است یک ________.
In a formal context (contacting a manager), 'نامه بنویسید' is the most appropriate response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsTechnically yes, but 'ایمیل بزنید' (Email zanid) is more common for digital mail.
Grammatically yes, but socially it is used for one person to show respect.
'Nāme' is a letter; 'Resāle' is usually a treatise or a thesis.
Say 'به من نامه بنویسید' (Be man nāme benevisid).
Mostly for formal/legal reasons or as a romantic/artistic gesture.
Yes, for the imperative mood in standard Persian.
Traditionally a reed pen, but any blue or black pen is fine today.
Commonly with 'با تشکر' (With thanks) or 'ارادتمند' (Devotedly).
Yes, that means 'Send a letter'.
Use 'نامه بنویس' (Nāme benevis).
Yes, like 'نامه رساندن' (to deliver a letter).
No, that is a false friend! 'Name' in Persian is 'Esm' or 'Nām'.
Both are correct; the 'i' at the end of 'nāme-i' also means 'a/one'.
Yes, but 'کارت پستال' is the specific word for postcard.
Related Phrases
نامه نگاری
specialized formThe art/act of correspondence
پیام دادن
similarTo send a message
مکاتبه کردن
synonymTo correspond
دستخط
builds onHandwriting
پاکت نامه
builds onEnvelope
