Meaning
To create or write poems.
Cultural Background
Poetry is the highest form of art in Iran. Being able to 'she'r goftan' is a sign of high education and emotional depth. In Tajikistan, where Persian (Tajik) is also spoken, 'she'r goftan' is equally revered and often accompanied by traditional music. Dari speakers in Afghanistan use 'she'r goftan' to describe their rich tradition of epic and mystical poetry. On Persian Twitter and Instagram, 'she'r goftan' is used both to share original work and to mock politicians or celebrities (using the 'nonsense' sense).
Use 'Migam' for informal speech
In Tehran, instead of 'mi-guy-am', say 'mi-gam'. It sounds much more like a local.
The 'Nonsense' Trap
Only use 'she'r nago' with people you are very comfortable with. It's a strong way to say 'You're lying'.
Meaning
To create or write poems.
Use 'Migam' for informal speech
In Tehran, instead of 'mi-guy-am', say 'mi-gam'. It sounds much more like a local.
The 'Nonsense' Trap
Only use 'she'r nago' with people you are very comfortable with. It's a strong way to say 'You're lying'.
Complimenting a Poet
If someone recites a poem, don't just say 'good'. Say 'Dast-e shoma dard nakoneh, che she'r-e zibayi goftid!'
Memorize one short poem
Iranians love it when foreigners can 'she'r goftan' (recite) even a single line of Hafez.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'goftan' in the present tense.
من هر شب در دفترم شعر ________.
The subject is 'من' (I), so the present tense form is 'میگویم' (mi-guy-am).
Which sentence means 'Don't talk nonsense' in an informal way?
Choose the correct option:
'شعر نگو' (She'r nago) is the idiomatic way to tell someone they are talking nonsense.
Match the Persian sentence with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are basic sentences using the word 'she'r' and related verbs.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: آیا برادرت هنوز ________؟ علی: بله، او عاشق ادبیات است.
'شعر میگوید' is the only logical choice for someone who loves literature.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Goftan vs. Sorudan
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن هر شب در دفترم شعر ________.
The subject is 'من' (I), so the present tense form is 'میگویم' (mi-guy-am).
Choose the correct option:
'شعر نگو' (She'r nago) is the idiomatic way to tell someone they are talking nonsense.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are basic sentences using the word 'she'r' and related verbs.
سارا: آیا برادرت هنوز ________؟ علی: بله، او عاشق ادبیات است.
'شعر میگوید' is the only logical choice for someone who loves literature.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it means writing, composing in your head, or reciting from memory.
Yes, but 'taraneh goftan' (saying lyrics) is more specific for songs.
Use the stem 'goft': goftam, gofti, goft, goftim, goftid, goftand.
You can, but it sounds less poetic and less native than 'goftan'.
Yes, it works for any length or style of poetry.
It literally means 'don't say poetry', but idiomatically it means 'stop talking nonsense'.
Persian does not have grammatical gender!
من شعر گفتن را دوست دارم. (Man she'r goftan ra dust daram).
Yes, though they might use 'sorudan' for more variety.
Yes, it's perfect for that too.
Related Phrases
شعر سرودن
synonymTo compose poetry (formal)
مشاعره کردن
builds onTo engage in a poetry competition
شعر نو
specialized formModern/Blank verse poetry
حرف مفت زدن
similarTo talk nonsense/trash
