Meaning
Used to express lack of knowledge or information.
Cultural Background
In Iran, saying 'I don't know' can sometimes be avoided to save face or be helpful. People might say 'I'll check' instead. In Dari, the phrase is very similar but the pronunciation of the 'mi' prefix can be slightly different ('namidānam'). Tajik uses the same root but written in Cyrillic: Намедонам (Namedonam). There is a deep philosophical tradition in Persian literature that 'not knowing' is the beginning of true wisdom.
The 'U' Shift
In conversation, always use 'Nemidunam'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't be too blunt
Adding 'bebakhshid' (excuse me) before 'nemidanam' makes it much more polite.
Meaning
Used to express lack of knowledge or information.
The 'U' Shift
In conversation, always use 'Nemidunam'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't be too blunt
Adding 'bebakhshid' (excuse me) before 'nemidanam' makes it much more polite.
The 'Valla' Hack
Start with 'Vāllā' (Honestly) to sound naturally Persian: 'Vāllā nemidunam'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'not knowing' for 'I'.
من آدرس را ______.
The ending '-am' corresponds to 'I' (man).
Which phrase should you use if you don't know how to swim?
شنا کردن (Swimming)...
Swimming is a skill, so 'balad nistam' is required.
Match the Persian phrase to its register.
Registers
Persian uses different forms based on the social context.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: ساعت چند است؟ B: ببخشید، ______.
The question asks for the time, and 'I don't know' is a logical response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن آدرس را ______.
The ending '-am' corresponds to 'I' (man).
شنا کردن (Swimming)...
Swimming is a skill, so 'balad nistam' is required.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Persian uses different forms based on the social context.
A: ساعت چند است؟ B: ببخشید، ______.
The question asks for the time, and 'I don't know' is a logical response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it is not rude, but saying it too abruptly can be. Add 'bebakhshid' to be safe.
No, 'Na' just means 'No'. If someone asks 'Where is the bank?', saying 'No' doesn't make sense. You must say 'Nemidanam'.
'Nemidanam' means you don't have the info. 'Nemifahmam' means you heard the info but don't understand the meaning.
It is written as 'نمیدونم' in informal contexts.
Related Phrases
بلد نیستم
similarI don't know how (skill)
نمیشناسم
similarI don't know (person/place)
خبر ندارم
similarI have no news/idea
نمیفهمم
similarI don't understand
مطمئن نیستم
similarI'm not sure
