Meaning
To delay or hesitate in doing something, often by moving slowly or indecisively.
Cultural Background
In Iranian social etiquette, 'Pa be pa kardan' is often seen during 'Ta'arof' at doorways. When two people are deciding who should enter first, they both might 'pa be pa' as a sign of respect. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, this phrase is often used with a tone of annoyance, especially regarding traffic or slow service in shops. While understood, Dari speakers might more commonly use 'پس و پیش کردن' (pas o pish kardan - going back and forth) for similar situations of hesitation. Parents often use this phrase to check if a child needs to use the restroom, as the physical 'shuffle' is a universal sign for children.
The 'Bathroom' Rule
If you see a child doing this, they probably need the toilet. It's the most literal use of the phrase!
Don't use with 'with'
In English you 'stall with someone,' but in Persian you just 'pa be pa' for a situation. Avoid 'ba kassi' unless you mean you are both stalling together.
Meaning
To delay or hesitate in doing something, often by moving slowly or indecisively.
The 'Bathroom' Rule
If you see a child doing this, they probably need the toilet. It's the most literal use of the phrase!
Don't use with 'with'
In English you 'stall with someone,' but in Persian you just 'pa be pa' for a situation. Avoid 'ba kassi' unless you mean you are both stalling together.
Use it for 'Typing...'
A great modern way to use this is when someone is taking forever to reply to a text. 'داری توی چت پا به پا میکنی؟'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
سارا برای رفتن به دکتر خیلی ______ میکند.
The sentence needs a conjugated verb in the present tense to match 'Sara'.
Which situation best fits 'پا به پا کردن'?
In which scenario would you use this phrase?
The phrase describes hesitation and shifting weight while waiting or being nervous.
What is the best response to the following?
مادر: 'زود باش! چرا دم در ایستادی و پا به پا میکنی؟'
The mother is asking why the person is stalling, so an excuse for the delay is the logical answer.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Matching the idiom to its figurative meaning.
Match the register to the sentence.
Which one is SLANG?
'Loft dādan' is the slang equivalent of 'Pa be pa kardan'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesسارا برای رفتن به دکتر خیلی ______ میکند.
The sentence needs a conjugated verb in the present tense to match 'Sara'.
In which scenario would you use this phrase?
The phrase describes hesitation and shifting weight while waiting or being nervous.
مادر: 'زود باش! چرا دم در ایستادی و پا به پا میکنی؟'
The mother is asking why the person is stalling, so an excuse for the delay is the logical answer.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the idiom to its figurative meaning.
Which one is SLANG?
'Loft dādan' is the slang equivalent of 'Pa be pa kardan'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be slightly impatient. To a friend, it's fine. To a boss, it's better to use 'ta'allol' (hesitation).
No, it's specifically for human or animal movement/behavior.
You could use 'bi-derang' (without delay) or 'zud' (quick).
No, it's mostly figurative now. You can use it while sitting down if you are stalling on a phone call.
Yes, often to describe a lover waiting at the door of the beloved.
ما پا به پا میکنیم (Ma pa be pa mikonim).
Tehranis use it very frequently; Dari speakers understand it but might prefer other terms like 'shak dashtan'.
Yes, it's a perfect synonym for stalling on a task.
No, it's three words: Pa (foot) + be (to) + pa (foot).
No, it's always 'kardan' (to do), never 'shodan' (to become).
Related Phrases
لفت دادن
synonymTo stall or drag something out (slang).
امروز و فردا کردن
similarTo procrastinate by saying 'I'll do it tomorrow.'
قدم زدن
contrastTo walk/stroll.
دل دل کردن
similarTo hesitate (literally 'to heart-heart').
معطل کردن
synonymTo keep someone waiting.
