Meaning
To give money in exchange for goods or services.
Cultural Background
When paying, expect the 'Ghabele nadāre' ritual. You must insist on paying even if they refuse initially. Giving money (Eidi) is a major tradition. The money should ideally be new and crisp, often kept inside a Quran before being given. Similar to Iran, 'pool dādan' is used, but the currency (Afghani) and some social etiquettes around charity (Zakat) are very prominent. In Tajik Persian (Tajiki), the phrase is also used, though they might use 'pul dodan' with a slightly different accent and Cyrillic script.
The 'o' shortcut
In casual Persian, add 'o' to 'pool' (pool-o) to mean 'the money'. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't be too blunt
Saying 'Pool bede!' (Give money!) can sound rude. Use 'Bebakhshid...' (Excuse me...) to soften it.
Meaning
To give money in exchange for goods or services.
The 'o' shortcut
In casual Persian, add 'o' to 'pool' (pool-o) to mean 'the money'. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't be too blunt
Saying 'Pool bede!' (Give money!) can sound rude. Use 'Bebakhshid...' (Excuse me...) to soften it.
Master the Ta'arof
If someone says 'Ghabele nadāre', immediately reply with 'Khahesh mikonam' and offer the money again.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pool dādan' in the past tense.
دیروز من برای کتاب ده هزار تومان ... .
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense first-person form.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask 'Did you pay?' in a cafe?
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Pool dādi' is the correct way to ask if the payment was made.
Complete the dialogue between a taxi driver and a passenger.
مسافر: آقا چقدر باید ... ؟ راننده: بیست تومان، لطفا.
The passenger is asking how much they should pay.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. انعام دادن 2. پول نان را دادن 3. عیدی دادن
An'ām is a tip, nān is bread, and Eidi is the New Year gift.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز من برای کتاب ده هزار تومان ... .
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense first-person form.
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Pool dādi' is the correct way to ask if the payment was made.
مسافر: آقا چقدر باید ... ؟ راننده: بیست تومان، لطفا.
The passenger is asking how much they should pay.
1. انعام دادن 2. پول نان را دادن 3. عیدی دادن
An'ām is a tip, nān is bread, and Eidi is the New Year gift.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's used for any form of payment, including credit cards and bank transfers, in casual speech.
'Pool dādan' is casual/neutral, while 'pardākht kardan' is formal and used in business or official contexts.
Yes, it is often used euphemistically for bribery, e.g., 'Pool dād ta karash rah bioftad' (He gave money so his work would move forward).
You say 'Pool-o dādam' or 'Hesāb kardam'.
Related Phrases
پرداخت کردن
synonymTo pay (formal)
حساب کردن
similarTo settle the bill
پول گرفتن
contrastTo receive/take money
پول خرج کردن
builds onTo spend money
