Meaning
Stating a lack of comprehension or understanding.
Cultural Background
In Iran, it is common to use a hand gesture—placing the right hand over the heart—while saying 'Bebakhshid, motevajjeh nashodam' to show sincerity and politeness. In Dari Persian, 'Fahmida nashod' or 'Motevajjeh nashodum' are used similarly, but the accent and some verb endings may differ slightly. Tajik speakers might use 'Man nafahmidam' more frequently in daily life, as the influence of Russian 'Ya ne ponyal' has made directness more common. Students often use 'Motevajjeh nashodam' as a way to invite the professor to elaborate, often followed by 'Momken ast bishtar tozih dehid?' (Is it possible to explain more?).
The 'Bebakhshid' Buffer
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) to make the phrase sound softer and more natural.
Don't Overuse 'Chi?'
While 'Chi?' is easy, using 'Motevajjeh nashodam' makes you sound like a much more advanced speaker.
Meaning
Stating a lack of comprehension or understanding.
The 'Bebakhshid' Buffer
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) to make the phrase sound softer and more natural.
Don't Overuse 'Chi?'
While 'Chi?' is easy, using 'Motevajjeh nashodam' makes you sound like a much more advanced speaker.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head and a small smile helps convey that you are trying your best.
Listen for the 'Na'
When listening to others, the 'Na' at the start of 'nashodam' is the key to knowing they are confused.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'shodan'.
ببخشید، من متوجه ____.
To say 'I didn't understand', you need the negative past tense 'nashodam'.
Which phrase is the most polite way to say you didn't understand in a classroom?
در کلاس درس چه میگویید؟
'Motevajjeh nashodam' is the most polite and appropriate for a teacher-student relationship.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
۱. نفهمیدم چی گفتی. ۲. بنده متوجه نشدم.
'Nafahmidam' is informal (friends), while 'Bande motevajjeh nashodam' is very formal.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesببخشید، من متوجه ____.
To say 'I didn't understand', you need the negative past tense 'nashodam'.
در کلاس درس چه میگویید؟
'Motevajjeh nashodam' is the most polite and appropriate for a teacher-student relationship.
۱. نفهمیدم چی گفتی. ۲. بنده متوجه نشدم.
'Nafahmidam' is informal (friends), while 'Bande motevajjeh nashodam' is very formal.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's neutral. It's never 'wrong', but 'nafahmidam' is more common with best friends.
Yes, but it's better to add 'Sedatun nayumad' (Your voice didn't come/I didn't hear you).
'Darak nakardam' is for deep concepts or feelings. 'Motevajjeh nashodam' is for words and sentences.
You can say 'Hichi motevajjeh nashodam'.
Yes, 'Ne' just adds emphasis. 'Motevajjeh nashodam' on its own is perfectly fine.
It refers to the specific act of speaking that just finished. You didn't understand *that* specific thing.
Yes, but it sounds like you are struggling with a long, ongoing explanation.
'Motasefane motevajjeh nashodam' (Unfortunately, I didn't understand).
Yes, in some contexts it can mean 'I didn't notice [him/it]'.
Yes, very frequently in emails and formal letters.
Related Phrases
نفهمیدم
synonymI didn't understand (informal)
دوباره بگویید
builds onPlease say it again
منظورتان چیست؟
similarWhat do you mean?
درک میکنم
contrastI understand/empathize
شیرفهم شدم
specialized formI fully understand now
