Meaning
To confirm that one will keep their promise or commitment.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Mardanegi' (chivalry) is tied to this phrase. Keeping one's word is seen as a core masculine and honorable trait, though the phrase is used by everyone. In the old bazaar, millions of tomans were traded without a single paper contract, just by saying 'روی حرفم هستم'. Poets like Hafez and Saadi often write about the 'Ahd' (covenant). This phrase is the modern, colloquial descendant of those high literary ideals. Iranians use this phrase on Twitter to hold politicians or celebrities accountable to their previous statements.
Use 'Sar' for extra naturalness
While 'Ruye' is 100% correct, saying 'Sar-e harfam hastam' will make you sound like you've lived in Tehran for years.
Don't forget the suffix
Saying 'Ruye harf hastam' sounds like you are literally standing on the word 'word.' Always add -am, -at, etc.
Meaning
To confirm that one will keep their promise or commitment.
Use 'Sar' for extra naturalness
While 'Ruye' is 100% correct, saying 'Sar-e harfam hastam' will make you sound like you've lived in Tehran for years.
Don't forget the suffix
Saying 'Ruye harf hastam' sounds like you are literally standing on the word 'word.' Always add -am, -at, etc.
The Anti-Taarof
If an Iranian friend offers you something three times and you say 'No,' follow it with 'Ruye harfam hastam' to show you really mean it.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
من هنوز ____ حرفم هستم و بهت کمک میکنم.
The correct idiom uses 'روی' (ruye) or 'سر' (sare).
Which sentence means 'He kept his word' in the past tense?
او ...
'بود' is the past tense of 'to be'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
سارا: 'قول دادی برام کتاب بخری.' علی: 'نگران نباش، من ...'
Ali is confirming his own promise.
Match the phrase to the best situation.
When would you say 'روی حرفم هستم'?
It is used to reassure others of your commitment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هنوز ____ حرفم هستم و بهت کمک میکنم.
The correct idiom uses 'روی' (ruye) or 'سر' (sare).
او ...
'بود' is the past tense of 'to be'.
سارا: 'قول دادی برام کتاب بخری.' علی: 'نگران نباش، من ...'
Ali is confirming his own promise.
When would you say 'روی حرفم هستم'?
It is used to reassure others of your commitment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It's a sign of integrity. However, if said very loudly during an argument, it can sound stubborn.
Yes, it's very common for confirming social plans.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Sare' is slightly more colloquial.
You can say 'او روی حرفش نماند' (He didn't stay on his word) or 'او زیر قولش زد'.
Yes, it's a key phrase for building trust in Iranian business culture.
Yes, in emails or texts it is perfectly fine. In very formal essays, use 'پایبندی به عهد'.
Only if your tone is angry. Usually, it's a positive, reassuring phrase.
We are on our word: 'ما روی حرفمان هستیم' (Ma ruye harfeman hastim).
Yes, 'Harfam harfe' (My word is THE word).
Yes, 'Ali ruye harfesh hast' (Ali stands by his word).
Related Phrases
زیر قول زدن
contrastTo break a promise
بدقولی کردن
contrastTo be unreliable/late
حرفم حرفه
similarMy word is final
پایبند بودن
synonymTo be committed
دمدمی مزاج
contrastFickle/Moody
