Meaning
A choice that carries significant consequences or implications.
Cultural Background
Decisions are often communal. Before making a 'تصمیم مهمی', it is culturally expected to consult elders or 'Gis-Sefidan' (white-haired ones). In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'تصمیم مهمی' is often used in the context of traffic, housing, and migration (the 'Apply' culture). In Iranian business, decisions are often top-down, but the phrase is used to show that the leadership is being thoughtful. Modern Persian literature uses this phrase to describe the existential dread of choice, often influenced by Western existentialism.
The 'i' is key
Adding the 'i' at the end of 'mohemm' makes you sound like a native speaker who understands Persian nuance.
Avoid 'Kardan'
Never say 'tasmim kardan'. It's the #1 mistake that marks you as a foreigner.
Meaning
A choice that carries significant consequences or implications.
The 'i' is key
Adding the 'i' at the end of 'mohemm' makes you sound like a native speaker who understands Persian nuance.
Avoid 'Kardan'
Never say 'tasmim kardan'. It's the #1 mistake that marks you as a foreigner.
Consult first
If you tell an Iranian you made a 'tasmim-e mohemm', expect them to ask who you talked to about it!
Use with 'Bayad'
Pair it with 'Bayad' (must) to express the pressure of a situation: 'Bayad tasmim-e mohemmi begiram.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct verb to complete the collocation.
من باید برای آیندهام یک تصمیم مهمی ________.
The verb 'gereftan' (to take) is the only correct pairing for 'tasmim'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct Persian sentence:
This follows the correct Ezafe order and uses the correct verb 'gereftan'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
علی: 'میخواهم از شغلم استعفا بدهم.' سارا: 'مطمئنی؟ این ________ است.'
Resigning from a job is a significant life choice, making 'تصمیم مهمی' the best fit.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'اتخاذ تصمیمات مهم'?
'Ettekhaaz' is the formal version of 'gereftan', used in news and official contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Decision vs. Choice
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن باید برای آیندهام یک تصمیم مهمی ________.
The verb 'gereftan' (to take) is the only correct pairing for 'tasmim'.
Select the correct Persian sentence:
This follows the correct Ezafe order and uses the correct verb 'gereftan'.
علی: 'میخواهم از شغلم استعفا بدهم.' سارا: 'مطمئنی؟ این ________ است.'
Resigning from a job is a significant life choice, making 'تصمیم مهمی' the best fit.
Where would you most likely hear 'اتخاذ تصمیمات مهم'?
'Ettekhaaz' is the formal version of 'gereftan', used in news and official contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds slightly more general. The 'i' (Tasmim-e mohemmi) makes it feel like 'a specific important decision'.
Technically yes, but 'تصمیم مهمی' is reserved for things with consequences. For small things, just use 'fekr' or 'entekhab'.
'Tasmim' is the act of deciding; 'Aradeh' is the willpower to carry it out.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in Dari, though the accent will differ.
You say 'Tasmim-am avaz shod' (My decision changed) or 'Nazaram avaz shod' (My opinion changed).
Yes, it's very common. You might write: 'Ye tasmim-e mohemmi gereftam, bayad harf bezanim.'
It is neutral. It works in both a business meeting and a conversation with your best friend.
Use 'E'lam kardan' (اعلام کردن). Example: 'Tasmim-e mohemmi ra e'lam kard.'
Slang would be 'Ye barname-i rikhtam' (I've set a plan) or 'Ye fekr-e bekri kardam'.
Yes: 'Tasmim-at-e mohemm' (Important decisions). Note the Arabic plural ending '-at'.
Related Phrases
تصمیم سرنوشتساز
specialized formA destiny-making decision
دوراهی
similarCrossroads/Dilemma
تجدید نظر
contrastReconsideration
قاطعیت
builds onDecisiveness
اتخاذ تصمیم
synonymTo adopt a decision
