Meaning
A difficult choice that requires careful consideration.
Cultural Background
In Iran, making a 'hard decision' often involves 'Estekhareh' (consulting the Quran for guidance) when logic fails. This adds a spiritual layer to the phrase. In Dari, the phrase is identical, but the pronunciation of 'Sakht' might have a more guttural 'kh' sound. The formality levels remain similar. Tajik speakers use the Cyrillic script (тасмими сахт) but the core collocation remains a staple of formal and informal speech. Second-generation Iranians often use 'تصمیم سخت' as a direct translation of 'tough call' when speaking Finglish (Farsi-English mix).
The 'i' trick
Add an 'i' to the end (Tasmim-e Sakhti) to make it sound more natural when saying 'A hard decision'.
Avoid 'Kardan'
Never say 'Tasmim kardam'. It's the #1 giveaway that you're a beginner.
Meaning
A difficult choice that requires careful consideration.
The 'i' trick
Add an 'i' to the end (Tasmim-e Sakhti) to make it sound more natural when saying 'A hard decision'.
Avoid 'Kardan'
Never say 'Tasmim kardam'. It's the #1 giveaway that you're a beginner.
Consultation
If you tell an Iranian friend about a 'Tasmim-e Sakht', expect them to give you advice for the next 30 minutes!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
من دیروز یک تصمیم سخت ________. (I took a hard decision yesterday.)
The verb for making a decision in Persian is 'gereftan' (to take).
Which sentence is the most natural for a B2 learner?
How do you say 'It was a hard decision to leave my country'?
Option A uses the correct word order and neutral register.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related to the core concept of choosing.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: چرا اینقدر فکر میکنی؟ علی: چون باید بین این دو تا شغل یکی رو انتخاب کنم. واقعاً ________.
Ali is struggling with a choice, so 'It's a hard decision' is the logical response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز یک تصمیم سخت ________. (I took a hard decision yesterday.)
The verb for making a decision in Persian is 'gereftan' (to take).
How do you say 'It was a hard decision to leave my country'?
Option A uses the correct word order and neutral register.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related to the core concept of choosing.
سارا: چرا اینقدر فکر میکنی؟ علی: چون باید بین این دو تا شغل یکی رو انتخاب کنم. واقعاً ________.
Ali is struggling with a choice, so 'It's a hard decision' is the logical response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, in Persian the adjective almost always follows the noun.
'Sakht' is more common in speech; 'Doshvar' is more common in literature and news.
Use the present continuous: 'Daram tasmim migiram'.
Only if you are being sarcastic. It's usually for important things.
Always 'Gereftan' (to take).
Yes, many Persian pop songs use it to describe heartbreak.
Yes: 'Tasmim-haye sakht' (Hard decisions).
People might say 'Ghir kardan' (to be stuck) instead.
Add 'kheyli': 'Yek tasmim-e kheyli sakht'.
Related Phrases
انتخاب دشوار
synonymDifficult choice
بر سر دوراهی
similarAt a crossroads
تصمیم قاطع
contrastA firm/decisive decision
دل به دریا زدن
builds onTo dive into the deep end
