Meaning
To engage in a conversation or discussion with someone.
Cultural Background
Conversation is often preceded by 'Ta'arof', where speakers exchange polite compliments before getting to the point. In fast-paced Tehran, 'Sohbat kardan' is often shortened in speech to 'Sohbat kardan' but the 'k' sound in 'mikonam' is very soft. In Dari Persian, 'Gap zadan' is much more common and less 'slangy' than in Iran, often used where Iranians would use 'Sohbat kardan'. Tajik speakers might use 'Suhbat kardan' but also 'Gap zadan' frequently, influenced by Russian and local dialects.
The 'Ba' Rule
Always remember: You talk WITH (ba) someone in Persian. If you say 'be' (to), you sound like a translation app!
Politeness Level
When in doubt, use 'Sohbat kardan'. It is never rude and shows you have good manners.
Meaning
To engage in a conversation or discussion with someone.
The 'Ba' Rule
Always remember: You talk WITH (ba) someone in Persian. If you say 'be' (to), you sound like a translation app!
Politeness Level
When in doubt, use 'Sohbat kardan'. It is never rude and shows you have good manners.
Language Ability
Don't say 'I sohbat kardan Persian'. Use 'Harf zadan' for the skill of speaking a language.
Phone Calls
When someone answers the phone, you can say 'میخواستم با آقای... صحبت کنم' (I wanted to talk to Mr...).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition to say 'I am talking with my friend.'
من ___ دوستم صحبت میکنم.
In Persian, you always talk 'with' (با) someone, not 'to' (به) them.
Which sentence is the most polite way to say 'I talked to the manager'?
کدام جمله مودبانهتر است؟
'Sohbat kardan' is more polite and professional than 'harf zadan' or 'gap zadan'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
سارا: دیروز علی را دیدی؟ نیما: بله، ده دقیقه با او ___.
The context is the past ('دیروز'), and the speaker is 'I' (نیما), so 'صحبت کردم' is correct.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. 'میتوانم با شما صحبت کنم؟' 2. 'دارم با تلفن صحبت میکنم.'
The first is a request for dialogue, the second is a statement of current activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Preposition Comparison
Common Topics for Sohbat
Social
- • Family
- • Weather
- • Food
Work
- • Projects
- • Salary
- • Meetings
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ___ دوستم صحبت میکنم.
In Persian, you always talk 'with' (با) someone, not 'to' (به) them.
کدام جمله مودبانهتر است؟
'Sohbat kardan' is more polite and professional than 'harf zadan' or 'gap zadan'.
سارا: دیروز علی را دیدی؟ نیما: بله، ده دقیقه با او ___.
The context is the past ('دیروز'), and the speaker is 'I' (نیما), so 'صحبت کردم' is correct.
Match: 1. 'میتوانم با شما صحبت کنم؟' 2. 'دارم با تلفن صحبت میکنم.'
The first is a request for dialogue, the second is a statement of current activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions'Sohbat kardan' is more formal and polite. 'Harf zadan' is more casual and also used for the physical act of speaking or language ability.
Technically yes, but 'Harf zadan' is more common for talking to pets since it's less formal.
Persian logic views conversation as a mutual activity done 'with' someone, rather than a direction 'to' someone.
No, it's an Arabic loanword, but it has been used in Persian for over a thousand years.
Use 'با خودم صحبت میکنم' (I am talking with myself).
Yes, 'Sohbat kardan darbare-ye...' is the standard way to say 'to discuss about...'.
Yes, but many people use 'Chat kardan' for typing and 'Sohbat kardan' for voice notes or calls.
It is 'Sohbat kardam' (I talked). Only the 'kardan' part changes.
Yes, but the more natural word order is 'با شما صحبت میکنم'.
No, for a formal speech, use 'Sokhanrani kardan'.
Absolutely, it is the perfect verb for that setting.
Politely: 'لطفاً صحبت نکنید'. Informally: 'حرف نزن'.
Related Phrases
حرف زدن
similarTo talk/speak
گفتگو کردن
specialized formTo converse/dialogue
گپ زدن
informalTo chat
درد و دل کردن
specialized formTo pour one's heart out
بحث کردن
contrastTo argue/discuss
