Meaning
Stating financial unavailability or lack of funds.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means that even if someone has no money, they might offer to pay for you. You must refuse several times. Digital payments (kārt kešidan) are so common that 'pool nadāram' often specifically means 'I don't have cash'. Saying you have no money is a common tactic to get a better price, though sellers are wise to it. Young Iranians use 'dast-tang' or 'bi-pool' to bond over the high cost of living.
Softening the blow
Add 'motāsefam' (I'm sorry) or 'bebaxšid' (excuse me) before 'pool nadāram' to sound much more polite.
The 'Rā' Trap
Never say 'Pool rā nadāram'. It sounds like you are looking for a specific, lost bag of money.
Meaning
Stating financial unavailability or lack of funds.
Softening the blow
Add 'motāsefam' (I'm sorry) or 'bebaxšid' (excuse me) before 'pool nadāram' to sound much more polite.
The 'Rā' Trap
Never say 'Pool rā nadāram'. It sounds like you are looking for a specific, lost bag of money.
Ta'arof and Money
If someone insists on paying for you, it's okay to eventually say 'pool nadāram' as a final reason to let them pay, but only after refusing twice.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'to have' (negative).
من امروز برای خرید ______. (I don't have [money] for shopping today.)
The phrase 'pool nadāram' is the standard way to say you lack money.
Which sentence is the most natural for a casual conversation with a friend?
Asking a friend if they have money:
'Pool dāri?' is the informal way to ask 'Do you have money?'.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match these:
These are essential vocabulary items for financial transactions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: بیا بریم سینما! B: ببخشید، نمیتونم چون ______.
The context implies a reason for not being able to go, which is lack of money.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن امروز برای خرید ______. (I don't have [money] for shopping today.)
The phrase 'pool nadāram' is the standard way to say you lack money.
Asking a friend if they have money:
'Pool dāri?' is the informal way to ask 'Do you have money?'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are essential vocabulary items for financial transactions.
A: بیا بریم سینما! B: ببخشید، نمیتونم چون ______.
The context implies a reason for not being able to go, which is lack of money.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, but it is very direct. Adding 'bebaxšid' (excuse me) makes it perfectly polite.
You can say 'Jibam dāre tārtar mize' (My pocket is playing the flute/is empty).
It's better to say 'Kifam hamrāham nist' (My wallet is not with me).
The formal version is 'Bande tamakon-e māli nadāram'.
No, it's a general term for money, including bank balances.
Say 'Pool-e xorde nadāram'.
In Persian, 'na-' is the standard prefix to make a verb negative.
Yes, that means 'My money has finished/run out'.
'Pool nadāram' is a temporary state; 'bi-poolam' can sound like a more general description of your life.
Say 'Pool-e in ro nadāram'.
Say 'Pool-e kāfi nadāram'.
Yes, it's related to 'pul' in Turkish and Russian.
It is 'Pool nadārim'.
No, it's too informal. Talk about 'salary expectations' instead.
Related Phrases
دستم خالیه
similarMy hand is empty
بیپول
builds onMoneyless / Broke
پولدار
contrastRich / Wealthy
قرض گرفتن
specialized formTo borrow money
