Meaning
Informal way of saying one left a place or went out.
Cultural Background
'Zadan birun' is the anthem of the 'Dour-dour' generation. It signifies a break from the traditional, indoor-centric family life toward the freedom of the streets and cafes. The phrase is deeply linked to 'del-tangi' (heart-tightness). In Iran, when you feel emotionally overwhelmed, the prescribed cure is to 'bezani birun' and walk among people or nature. If you are at someone's house and say 'zadam birun' (referring to how you got there), it sounds casual. But if you say 'bezanam birun' to leave, the host will likely use Ta'arof to stop you, saying 'Hala budid' (Stay longer). In the age of WhatsApp and Telegram in Iran, 'zadam birun' is often shortened or used with emojis to show you are unavailable for a long chat because you are driving or walking.
Use with 'Taze'
Adding 'taze' (just/freshly) before 'zadam birun' makes you sound incredibly native when explaining why you are late.
Watch the Tense
Don't say 'Mizanam birun' if you are already outside. Use 'Zadam birun' (Past tense) for the state of having left.
Meaning
Informal way of saying one left a place or went out.
Use with 'Taze'
Adding 'taze' (just/freshly) before 'zadam birun' makes you sound incredibly native when explaining why you are late.
Watch the Tense
Don't say 'Mizanam birun' if you are already outside. Use 'Zadam birun' (Past tense) for the state of having left.
The 'Air' Factor
In Iran, 'zadan birun' is almost always followed by 'ye havayi bokhoram' (to eat some air/get fresh air). It's the standard excuse.
Invitations
Use 'Bezanim birun?' as a low-pressure way to ask someone on a casual date or hangout.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'zadan birun' in the past tense (I).
هوا خیلی خوب بود، منم ________.
The sentence is in the past tense ('was'), so 'zadam birun' is correct.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend you are leaving now?
Choose the best option:
This uses the present continuous form, which is very common for 'I'm heading out right now'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are bored at a wedding and want to leave with your friend.
'Bezanim birun' is the perfect casual invitation to leave a social event.
Complete the dialogue.
A: کجایی؟ نیم ساعته منتظرم! B: ببخشید، تازه ________.
Speaker B is talking about themselves (I), so 'zadam' is the correct conjugation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهوا خیلی خوب بود، منم ________.
The sentence is in the past tense ('was'), so 'zadam birun' is correct.
Choose the best option:
This uses the present continuous form, which is very common for 'I'm heading out right now'.
Situation: You are bored at a wedding and want to leave with your friend.
'Bezanim birun' is the perfect casual invitation to leave a social event.
A: کجایی؟ نیم ساعته منتظرم! B: ببخشید، تازه ________.
Speaker B is talking about themselves (I), so 'zadam' is the correct conjugation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all, but it is very informal. Use it with friends, not your CEO.
Only if you mean leaving the office for the day. If you mean quitting, use 'estefa dadam'.
There isn't a direct slang opposite like 'zadam tu', but you could say 'chapidam tu khune' (I'm stuck/hiding inside).
No, you could be driving, taking a bus, or cycling. It just means you left your starting point.
Yes, but it sounds more like 'protruding' (e.g., a bone protruding). For leaving, 'zadam birun' is better.
Yes, it's a standard Tehrani slang that is understood and used throughout the country.
Say 'Mikham bezanam birun'.
Yes, 'sag zad birun' is perfectly fine.
In casual conversation among people under 50, yes, it's much more common.
Usually, yes. It implies a temporary departure for social or personal reasons.
Related Phrases
جیم شدن
similarTo sneak out / To ditch
در رفتن
similarTo escape / To run away
راه افتادن
builds onTo start moving / To set off
بیرون کردن
contrastTo kick someone out
زدن به چاک
specialized formTo beat it / To scram
