Meaning
An imperative to direct one's gaze.
Cultural Background
Direct eye contact while saying 'negāh kon' is expected among friends but should be softened with elders. In Tehran, 'Bebin' (See) is often used more frequently than 'Negāh kon' as a conversational filler. The concept of 'Negāh' is central to Sufi poetry, representing the divine glance. In Dari, 'Bebīn' is also very common, but 'Negāh ko' (shortened) is frequently heard in Kabul.
The 'h' is silent
In Tehran, nobody pronounces the 'h' in 'negāh'. It sounds like 'negā kon'.
Don't be too bossy
Using 'negāh kon' repeatedly can sound like you are commanding someone. Mix it up with 'bebin'.
Meaning
An imperative to direct one's gaze.
The 'h' is silent
In Tehran, nobody pronounces the 'h' in 'negāh'. It sounds like 'negā kon'.
Don't be too bossy
Using 'negāh kon' repeatedly can sound like you are commanding someone. Mix it up with 'bebin'.
Use it as a filler
If you forget a word, start with 'negāh kon...' to give yourself a second to think.
Eye contact
When you say 'be man negāh kon' (look at me), it's a sign of sincerity in Persian culture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct informal imperative.
علی، به این گربه ______! (Ali, look at this cat!)
Since you are talking to 'Ali' (a friend), use the informal 'negāh kon'.
Which sentence is the most polite for a teacher?
You want your teacher to look at your homework.
'Negāh konid' is the formal/polite form required for teachers.
Match the Persian phrase with its English context.
Match the following:
These match the singular informal, negative informal, and plural/formal forms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ______، من پول ندارم. B: اشکال نداره، من حساب میکنم.
The speaker is starting a sentence to explain a situation, so 'negāh kon' acts as a discourse marker.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Informal vs Formal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesعلی، به این گربه ______! (Ali, look at this cat!)
Since you are talking to 'Ali' (a friend), use the informal 'negāh kon'.
You want your teacher to look at your homework.
'Negāh konid' is the formal/polite form required for teachers.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These match the singular informal, negative informal, and plural/formal forms.
A: ______، من پول ندارم. B: اشکال نداره، من حساب میکنم.
The speaker is starting a sentence to explain a situation, so 'negāh kon' acts as a discourse marker.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. Use 'tamāshā kon' or 'bebin' for movies. 'Negāh kon' is for a specific moment or object.
Only if used with elders or strangers. With friends, it's perfectly normal.
'Negāh kon' is 'Look!', 'Bebin' is 'See!'. They are often used the same way, but 'bebin' is more common in slang.
Say 'be mā negāh kon'.
No, you need the verb 'kon' to make it a command.
Use the plural: 'negāh konid'.
In very fast speech, it might sound like 'nā-kon', but 'negā-kon' is the standard short form.
Say 'be un negāh kon'.
Yes, it means 'a look' or 'a glance'.
Yes, it's very common in texting to point out a link or photo.
Related Phrases
ببین
synonymSee!
تماشا کن
specialized formWatch!
دقت کن
builds onPay attention!
نگاه بنداز
similarTake a glance!
چشمک بزن
relatedWink!
