Meaning
To pay a quick, informal visit to someone or a place.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'sar zadan' is a way to bypass the complex rules of Ta'arof. By saying you are just 'dropping by,' you relieve the host of the obligation to prepare a massive feast. In the busy life of Tehran, 'sar zadan' is often done at workplaces or cafes. It's a way to maintain 'doreh' (social circles) despite heavy traffic and long working hours. In Afghanistan, the phrase is also used, but 'ahwal-porsy' (asking about health/status) is often used alongside it to emphasize the caring nature of the visit. Tajik speakers might use 'khabar giriftan' (taking news) in similar contexts, but 'sar zadan' is understood and used in more informal, modern settings.
The 'Yek' Trick
Add 'yek' before 'sar' to sound more native: 'Yek sar be ma bezan!' (Drop by us for a bit!)
Don't forget 'Be'
Without 'be,' you are just saying 'hitting head.' Always say 'be [someone] sar zadan.'
Meaning
To pay a quick, informal visit to someone or a place.
The 'Yek' Trick
Add 'yek' before 'sar' to sound more native: 'Yek sar be ma bezan!' (Drop by us for a bit!)
Don't forget 'Be'
Without 'be,' you are just saying 'hitting head.' Always say 'be [someone] sar zadan.'
Ta'arof Alert
If someone says 'Be ma sar bezan,' they might just be being polite. Look for a specific time or follow-up to see if it's a real invitation!
Digital Usage
Use this for checking your email or social media to sound very modern and fluent.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'sar zadan' in the past tense.
دیروز من به خانه دوستم _______.
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so the past tense 'sar zadam' is required.
Which sentence correctly uses the preposition?
Which one is correct?
'Sar zadan' always takes the preposition 'be' (به).
Complete the dialogue.
A: غذا آماده است؟ B: نمیدانم، الان باید به آن _______.
The speaker is saying 'I must check it now,' which requires the present subjunctive/future intent 'sar bezanam.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are walking past your uncle's house and want to say hi for 5 minutes.
'Sar zadan' is the perfect fit for a 5-minute 'saying hi' visit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Visit Types
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز من به خانه دوستم _______.
The sentence starts with 'Dirooz' (Yesterday), so the past tense 'sar zadam' is required.
Which one is correct?
'Sar zadan' always takes the preposition 'be' (به).
A: غذا آماده است؟ B: نمیدانم، الان باید به آن _______.
The speaker is saying 'I must check it now,' which requires the present subjunctive/future intent 'sar bezanam.'
You are walking past your uncle's house and want to say hi for 5 minutes.
'Sar zadan' is the perfect fit for a 5-minute 'saying hi' visit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if it's very informal, like checking on a colleague. For a real meeting, use 'molaaghat.'
It is 'sar zadan.' No ezafe (the -e sound) is needed between the two words.
Usually anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. Anything longer is usually a 'mehmuni' (party/visit).
Yes! 'Be gooshi-am sar mizanam' is a very natural way to say you're checking your phone.
'Didan' is just 'to see.' 'Sar zadan' specifically implies the act of going to a place to check on someone.
In traditional Iranian culture, it's often okay, but in modern urban life, a quick text first is preferred.
No, you can 'sar zadan' to a place (the office), an object (the food), or even an idea (memories).
You can say: 'Ba'dan behet sar mizanam.'
Rarely. In formal writing, you would use 'bazdid kardan' or 'molaaghat kardan.'
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'sar nazadan' (not visiting) is often used as a complaint.
Related Phrases
سرکشی کردن
similarTo inspect or check on something officially.
دیدن کردن
synonymTo visit.
ملاقات کردن
specialized formTo meet someone.
عیادت کردن
specialized formTo visit a sick person.
سر زدن (literal)
contrastTo hit one's head.
