Meaning
To show interest, often flirtatiously, or to give someone a chance.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, 'pa dādan' is a staple of the 'Dating App' culture. It is used to describe the transition from 'matching' to 'meeting'. Merchants might use it informally to describe a deal that finally worked out after long negotiations. Older generations might find the term 'vulgar' or 'street-like' because it bypasses the traditional 'Ta'arof' and 'Nāz'. Many '6/8' (danceable) Persian pop songs use this phrase to describe a girl who is playing hard to get.
Register Check
Never use this with your boss or in-laws unless you have a very close, joking relationship.
The 'Age Pā Bede' Hack
Use 'Age pā bede' instead of 'If I'm lucky' to sound like a native speaker when talking about plans.
Meaning
To show interest, often flirtatiously, or to give someone a chance.
Register Check
Never use this with your boss or in-laws unless you have a very close, joking relationship.
The 'Age Pā Bede' Hack
Use 'Age pā bede' instead of 'If I'm lucky' to sound like a native speaker when talking about plans.
Gender Nuance
While used for both, it's more commonly used by men describing women's receptivity, though this is changing.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'پا دادن'.
دیروز مریم بالاخره به علی _______ و با هم رفتن سینما.
The context is showing romantic interest and agreeing to go to the movies, which is 'پا داد'.
Which sentence uses 'پا دادن' to mean 'opportunity'?
کدام جمله به معنی 'فرصت' است؟
In this sentence, it means 'If the opportunity arises'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang response.
آرش: چرا باهاش کات کردی؟ سهراب: چون هر چی تلاش کردم، اصلاً بهم _______.
Sohrab is saying he broke up/stopped trying because the other person didn't give him a chance.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You want to say 'If the stars align, I'll buy a car.'
'Age pā bede' is the standard way to express 'if the opportunity arises'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز مریم بالاخره به علی _______ و با هم رفتن سینما.
The context is showing romantic interest and agreeing to go to the movies, which is 'پا داد'.
کدام جمله به معنی 'فرصت' است؟
In this sentence, it means 'If the opportunity arises'.
آرش: چرا باهاش کات کردی؟ سهراب: چون هر چی تلاش کردم، اصلاً بهم _______.
Sohrab is saying he broke up/stopped trying because the other person didn't give him a chance.
You want to say 'If the stars align, I'll buy a car.'
'Age pā bede' is the standard way to express 'if the opportunity arises'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it is very casual. It can be offensive if used to imply someone is 'easy'.
Yes, but only with friends. 'بالاخره کار پا داد' (Finally the job worked out).
'Pa nadādan' (not giving a chance) or 'Dast-e radd zadan' (formally rejecting).
پا خواهد داد (Formal) or پا میده (Informal/Future).
It is understood, but Afghans more commonly use 'farsat dādan' or other local slang.
No, it requires a person or a 'situation' as the subject.
No, about 40% of the time it just means a situation becoming favorable.
Yes, modern Iranian women use it frequently with their friends.
'Nakh dādan' is a hint; 'Pa dādan' is a clear opening.
Yes, it's very common in SMS and WhatsApp.
Related Phrases
نخ دادن
similarTo drop a hint or flirt subtly.
پا گرفتن
builds onTo become established or successful.
چراغ سبز نشان دادن
synonymTo give the green light.
راه دادن
similarTo allow someone in.
پا خوردن
contrastTo be deceived or tripped.
