Meaning
To continuously follow or bother someone, often to get something or get their attention.
Cultural Background
In Iranian bazaars, vendors are known for being 'Pa-pey'. It is socially acceptable to firmly say 'Mamnoon' (Thank you) and keep walking to signal you don't want them to be 'Pa-pey'. Among young people, being 'Pa-pey' on social media (liking all photos, commenting constantly) is seen as a sign of 'Zaye' (uncool) behavior or 'Sirish' (glue-like) personality. Mothers in Iran often use this phrase to describe their children's constant needs, but often with a hidden tone of affection, despite the literal meaning of annoyance. While understood, Dari speakers might more commonly use 'دنبال کسی گشتن' or 'آویزان شدن' (hanging off someone) for similar contexts.
The Suffix Trick
Instead of saying 'Pa-pey-e man', say 'Pa-peym'. It sounds much more native and fluid.
Don't use with Elders
Even if your grandfather is being persistent, using 'Pa-pey' is considered 'Bi-adab' (rude). Use 'Israr' instead.
Meaning
To continuously follow or bother someone, often to get something or get their attention.
The Suffix Trick
Instead of saying 'Pa-pey-e man', say 'Pa-peym'. It sounds much more native and fluid.
Don't use with Elders
Even if your grandfather is being persistent, using 'Pa-pey' is considered 'Bi-adab' (rude). Use 'Israr' instead.
The 'No' that means 'Yes'
Sometimes in Iran, you HAVE to be 'Pa-pey' to show you are serious about an invitation, or the other person will think you are just being polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Pa-pey'.
بچهام مدام ________ من شده تا براش بستنی بخرم.
The Ezafe construction (ِ) is required to link the idiom to the object.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?
You want to ask about a late payment.
'Peygiri kardan' is the formal equivalent of 'Pa-pey shodan'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا انقدر به مریم زنگ میزنی؟ B: میخوام راضیش کنم بیاد مهمونی. A: نکن! انقدر ________ نشو، ناراحت میشه.
You need the suffix 'ash' to refer to Maryam (her).
Match the situation to the correct use of the idiom.
Situation: A detective is looking for a criminal's hideout.
It can be used for both literal tracking and metaphorical pestering/investigating.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبچهام مدام ________ من شده تا براش بستنی بخرم.
The Ezafe construction (ِ) is required to link the idiom to the object.
You want to ask about a late payment.
'Peygiri kardan' is the formal equivalent of 'Pa-pey shodan'.
A: چرا انقدر به مریم زنگ میزنی؟ B: میخوام راضیش کنم بیاد مهمونی. A: نکن! انقدر ________ نشو، ناراحت میشه.
You need the suffix 'ash' to refer to Maryam (her).
Situation: A detective is looking for a criminal's hideout.
It can be used for both literal tracking and metaphorical pestering/investigating.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions90% of the time, yes. It implies annoyance. However, in a detective context, it's neutral-investigative.
Yes, if the dog is bothering you, it's actually quite funny and appropriate to use it.
'Sirish' is much stronger slang. Use 'Pa-pey' with friends, use 'Sirish' only with very close friends or when you are truly angry.
Use: 'Man dar hale peygiri-e darkhastam hastam.'
No, for trends use 'donbal kardan'.
Only in dialogue in stories or informal blogs. Not in news or academic writing.
The verb 'shodan' pluralizes, but 'Pa-pey' stays the same. 'Anha pa-pey-e man shodand.'
Only if you are doing it in a creepy or persistent way. Otherwise, use 'Follow kardan'.
'Vel kardan' (to let go) or 'Bi-khial shodan' (to stop caring).
It is most common in Iran. In Tajikistan, it is less common.
Related Phrases
سیریش شدن
synonymTo be like glue
پیگیری کردن
formalTo follow up
دست از سر کسی برداشتن
contrastTo leave someone alone
پاپیچ شدن
similarTo get in someone's way
کنه شدن
slangTo be like a tick
