At the A1 level, you only need to understand the very basic concept of 'ejāze gereftan.' You should recognize the word 'ejāze' (permission) and know that it is something you ask for when you want to do something. At this stage, you might not use the full compound verb perfectly, but you should know how to say 'Ba ejāze?' when you want to enter a room or leave a table. It is one of the first polite phrases a learner should acquire because it is so central to Persian social life. You can think of it as the Persian equivalent of saying 'Excuse me' or 'May I?' in English. Your focus should be on the simple present tense: 'Ejāze migiram' (I ask for permission). Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the social utility of the word.
At the A2 level, which is the current level for this word, you are expected to use 'اجازه گرفتن' in simple, complete sentences. You should be able to conjugate the verb in the past and present tenses. For example: 'Diruz az mo'allem ejāze gereftam' (Yesterday I got permission from the teacher). You should also understand that the preposition 'az' (from) is used to indicate the person you are asking. This is the stage where you start distinguishing between 'ejāze gereftan' (to ask for permission) and 'ejāze dādan' (to give permission). You should be able to use this verb to talk about your daily routines, such as asking for permission at work, at school, or at home with your family. You are building the foundation of polite Persian conversation.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'اجازه گرفتن' in more complex sentence structures, specifically those involving the subjunctive mood. For example: 'Man bayad az ra'isam ejāze begiram ke farda nayāyam' (I must get permission from my boss to not come tomorrow). You should also be aware of the cultural context of 'Ta'arof' and how 'ejāze gereftan' fits into it. At this level, you can start using synonyms like 'ejāze khāstan' and understand the difference between them. You should be able to follow a conversation where someone describes a situation where they were or were not allowed to do something. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related nouns like 'mojaz' (allowed) and 'mamnu' (forbidden).
At the B2 level, you can use 'اجازه گرفتن' fluently in professional and social settings. You understand the nuances of formality. You might use 'kasb-e taklif kardan' in a formal email to a professor or a manager instead of the simpler 'ejāze gereftan.' You can also use the verb in the passive voice or in conditional sentences: 'Agar ejāze gerefte budam, in moshkel pish nemi-āmad' (If I had gotten permission, this problem wouldn't have happened). You are able to discuss the concept of permission in a broader sense, such as legal permissions or societal norms. You can also handle the negative and imperative forms with ease, using them to advise others on proper social etiquette in Iran.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and literary roots of 'اجازه گرفتن.' You can recognize it in classical texts where 'ejāze' might refer to a formal license to teach or narrate Hadith (in a religious context). You are comfortable with all registers of the language, from street slang ('ok gereftan') to the most formal academic Persian. You can write essays discussing the importance of authority and permission in Persian culture, using the verb and its derivatives accurately. You understand the subtle differences between 'ejāze,' 'rokhsat,' and 'mojavvez,' and you can use them interchangeably to create variety in your speech and writing. You are also sensitive to the tone and can use the verb to express irony or frustration.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'اجازه گرفتن' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the verb in complex philosophical or legal arguments. You understand its role in the 'Velayat-e Faqih' political system or in complex historical treaties. You can appreciate and use puns or wordplay involving the components of the verb. You are also a master of the pragmatic use of the verb—knowing exactly when to use the full verb for emphasis and when to use a shortened, idiomatic version to maintain the perfect social distance. Your use of 'ejāze gereftan' is not just about grammar; it's about a sophisticated navigation of Persian power structures and social hierarchies through language.

اجازه گرفتن in 30 Seconds

  • A vital Persian verb for asking permission from authority figures.
  • Combines the noun 'ejāze' (permission) with the light verb 'gereftan' (to take).
  • Requires the preposition 'az' for the person being asked.
  • Reflects Iranian cultural values of respect, hierarchy, and ritual politeness (Ta'arof).

The Persian compound verb اجازه گرفتن (ejāze gereftan) is a fundamental linguistic building block for anyone navigating Persian-speaking social environments. At its core, the phrase translates to "to ask for permission" or "to seek leave." It is composed of two distinct parts: the noun اجازه (ejāze), which means 'permission' or 'authorization' (derived from the Arabic root 'a-dh-n'), and the light verb گرفتن (gereftan), which literally means 'to take' or 'to get.' In the Persian mind, you do not simply 'ask' for permission as a passive request; you 'take' or 'acquire' the state of being permitted. This nuance reflects a social contract where permission is a tangible asset granted by an authority figure, whether that be a parent, a teacher, a boss, or even a host at a dinner party.

Cultural Etiquette
In Iranian culture, the concept of Ta'arof (ritualized politeness) often dictates how one asks for permission. It is rarely a blunt question. Instead, it is a dance of respect. Using اجازه گرفتن implies that you recognize the other person's hierarchy or ownership over a space or decision. For example, before leaving a room, even among friends, a polite person might say 'با اجازه' (with permission) to signal their intent to depart, which is the shortened, idiomatic form of seeking the act of ejāze gereftan.

من باید از مدیرم برای مرخصی اجازه بگیرم.

— Translation: I must ask for permission (get permission) from my manager for a leave of absence.

The usage of اجازه گرفتن spans from the very formal to the daily informal. Children are taught from a very young age the importance of ejāze gereftan before touching things that do not belong to them or before leaving the dinner table. In a classroom setting, a student would never dream of standing up without first seeking permission from the teacher. This verb is the key to maintaining social harmony and showing that you are a 'ba-adab' (polite/well-mannered) individual.

آیا برای وارد شدن اجازه گرفتی؟

— Translation: Did you ask for permission to enter?
The Light Verb Construction
Persian relies heavily on compound verbs. Gereftan is one of the most versatile light verbs in the language. When paired with ejāze, it loses its literal meaning of physically grabbing an object and instead signifies the initiation of a social request. If you were to use 'porsidan' (to ask) with 'ejāze', it would sound unnatural to a native speaker. You 'take' permission; you don't 'ask' it in the way English speakers might expect.

بدون اجازه گرفتن به وسایل من دست نزن.

— Translation: Don't touch my things without asking for permission.

In conclusion, mastering this verb is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding the fabric of Persian interaction. Whether you are in a library, a home, or a government office, knowing how to correctly frame your request for permission will open doors—literally and figuratively.

Using اجازه گرفتن correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a compound verb and its relationship with prepositions. Because it is a compound verb, only the second part—the light verb گرفتن—undergoes changes for tense, person, and mood. The noun اجازه remains static. This predictability makes it easier for learners to master once they know the conjugation of gereftan (Present stem: گیر - gir | Past stem: گرفت - gereft).

The Present Continuous
When you are currently in the process of seeking permission, you use the present continuous form. For example, 'دارم اجازه می‌گیرم' (I am getting permission). This is useful if someone asks why you are waiting on the phone or outside an office. It implies an ongoing negotiation or wait for approval.

بچه‌ها همیشه قبل از بازی کردن از بزرگترها اجازه می‌گیرند.

— Translation: Children always ask for permission from elders before playing.

In formal writing, you might encounter the passive or more complex versions of this verb, but in daily speech, the simple past and present are most common. A vital aspect of using this verb is the 'target' of the permission. If you are asking permission *to do* something, you usually follow the verb with a subjunctive clause or a prepositional phrase. For instance, 'اجازه گرفتم که بروم' (I got permission to go).

او بدون اینکه اجازه بگیرد، جلسه را ترک کرد.

— Translation: He left the meeting without asking for permission.
The Imperative and Negative
If you want to tell someone to seek permission, you say 'اجازه بگیر!' (Get permission!). To tell them not to do something without permission, you use the negative imperative: 'بدون اجازه گرفتن نرو' (Don't go without asking for permission). The negative form of the verb is created by adding the prefix 'na-' to the light verb: 'اجازه نگرفتم' (I didn't get permission).

حتماً قبل از استفاده از دوربین، اجازه بگیر.

— Translation: Definitely ask for permission before using the camera.

One final note on sentence structure: in very informal spoken Persian, the 'r' in 'gereftan' and 'migiram' is often softened or slightly altered, but for learners, sticking to the standard 'ejāze migiram' is the best path to being understood by everyone. Remember that ejāze gereftan is the action of the person seeking approval, while ejāze dādan is the action of the person granting it. Don't mix them up!

You will encounter اجازه گرفتن in almost every corner of Iranian life, from the most mundane family interactions to high-stakes bureaucratic procedures. It is a word that echoes through the halls of schools, the corridors of government buildings, and the living rooms of traditional homes. Understanding its context is key to understanding the social fabric of the Persian-speaking world.

In the Educational System
Iranian schools are generally more formal than those in the West. From the first grade, students are taught to raise their hands and say 'اجازه؟' (Permission?) before speaking or leaving their seats. The full verb اجازه گرفتن is used by teachers to remind students of the rules: 'باید برای هر کاری اجازه بگیرید' (You must ask permission for everything). If you watch an Iranian movie set in a school, this phrase will be ubiquitous.

شاگرد برای بیرون رفتن از کلاس اجازه گرفت.

— Translation: The student asked for permission to go out of the class.

In professional settings, اجازه گرفتن is the standard way to discuss seeking approval for projects, expenses, or time off. If you are working in an Iranian office, you will hear colleagues saying, 'باید از رئیس اجازه بگیرم' (I need to get permission from the boss). It sounds professional and respectful. Unlike in some Western cultures where 'asking for forgiveness rather than permission' is a common mantra, in the Iranian professional world, ejāze gereftan is the safer and more respected route.

قبل از اینکه به آشپزخانه بروی، اجازه گرفتی؟

— Translation: Did you ask for permission before going to the kitchen? (Often said to children).
In Literature and Media
In classical Persian literature, the concept of 'rokhsat' (a more poetic version of permission) is common, but in modern novels and TV dramas (especially 'Serial-ha'), ejāze gereftan is the go-to phrase. It often appears in scenes of romantic tension, where a suitor might say he needs to ejāze gereftan from the girl's father to marry her, emphasizing the traditional importance of paternal consent.

Finally, you will hear it in the news or legal contexts when referring to international law or government mandates. For example, 'کشورها باید برای عبور از حریم هوایی اجازه بگیرند' (Countries must ask for permission to cross airspace). This shows the verb's versatility—from a toddler asking for a cookie to a nation-state seeking diplomatic clearance.

Learning a compound verb like اجازه گرفتن comes with a few pitfalls for English speakers. Because the English translation is 'to ask for permission,' many students instinctively try to use the Persian verb for 'to ask' (porsidan) or 'to want' (khāstan). However, these combinations range from sounding slightly awkward to being completely incorrect.

Mistake 1: Using 'Porsidan' (To Ask)
A very common error is saying 'اجازه پرسیدن' (ejāze porsidan). In Persian, porsidan is used for asking a question (e.g., 'What time is it?'). It is not used for requesting permission. If you use this, a native speaker will understand you, but it will mark you as a beginner. Always remember: you 'take' (gereftan) permission, you don't 'ask' (porsidan) it.

❌ من اجازه پرسیدم.

✅ من اجازه گرفتم.

Explanation: You 'get' permission in Persian, not 'ask' it like a question.

Another mistake involves the preposition. English speakers often want to use 'for' (barāye) when saying they asked someone for permission. While you use barāye for the *reason* (e.g., permission for the car), you must use az for the *person*. Saying 'اجازه گرفتن از معلم' is correct. Saying 'اجازه گرفتن برای معلم' would mean you are getting permission on behalf of the teacher, which is usually not what you mean.

✅ اجازه گرفتن از کسی (From someone)

✅ اجازه گرفتن برای کاری (For some work/action)

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Subjunctive
When you say 'I got permission to go,' the word 'to go' must be in the subjunctive mood in Persian. A common mistake is using the infinitive. Incorrect: 'اجازه گرفتم رفتن'. Correct: 'اجازه گرفتم که بروم' (I got permission that I go). The subjunctive is the heart of Persian complex sentences, and ejāze gereftan almost always triggers it.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'ejāze' itself. It is often pronounced 'ejāzeh' with a slight 'h' sound at the end in formal speech, but in casual conversation, it's a short 'e' sound. Don't over-emphasize the end of the word, or it will sound unnatural. Focus on the 'gereftan' part for the actual grammar work!

While اجازه گرفتن is the most common and versatile way to express seeking permission, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Knowing these will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to navigate different social hierarchies with ease.

1. رخصت خواستن (Rokhsat Khāstan)
This is a much more formal and somewhat literary or traditional alternative. Rokhsat is an Arabic-derived word for leave or permission. You will hear this in traditional wrestling (Zurkhaneh), in epic poetry, or when someone is being extremely humble. It’s like saying 'I beg your leave' rather than 'Can I go?'.
2. کسب تکلیف کردن (Kasb-e Taklif Kardan)
This is the go-to phrase for bureaucratic, military, or highly formal professional settings. It literally means 'to acquire one's duty.' When you kasb-e taklif, you aren't just asking for permission; you are asking for instructions on how to proceed. It shows a high level of respect for the chain of command.

Comparison Table

PhraseRegisterBest Use
اجازه گرفتنNeutral/DailyEverywhere
رخصت خواستنLiterary/FormalTraditional events
کسب تکلیف کردنProfessional/BureaucraticOffices/Military
صلاحدید خواستنFormalAsking for advice/approval

Another common alternative is اجازه خواستن (ejāze khāstan). While gereftan (to take) is more common for the act of receiving the permission, khāstan (to want/request) focuses more on the act of the request itself. You might say 'او اجازه خواست که برود' (He requested permission to go). The difference is subtle, but gereftan often implies the successful acquisition of that permission.

Finally, in very informal or slang contexts, people might just use 'اوکی گرفتن' (to get an OK). This is common among younger generations in Tehran: 'از بابام اوکی گرفتم' (I got the OK from my dad). While it's good to know, stick to اجازه گرفتن for your exams and formal interactions!

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root of 'gereftan' is the same as the English word 'grab'. So when you 'ejāze gereftan', you are literally 'grabbing permission'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛːʒɒːzɛː ɡɛːrɛːftæːn/
US /eɪʒɑːzeɪ ɡereftæn/
The primary stress in 'ejāze' is on the second syllable 'jā'. In 'gereftan', the stress is on the second syllable 'ref'.
Rhymes With
گرفتن (gereftan) پذیرفتن (paziroftan) آشفتن (āshoftan) گفتن (goftan) خفتن (khoftan) نهفتن (nahoftan) شنفتن (shonoftan) شکفتن (shekoftan)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'ejāze' as 'e-ja-zeh' with a hard 'h'.
  • Stressing the first syllable of 'gereftan'.
  • Confusing the 'j' sound with a 'z' sound.
  • Making the 'e' at the end of 'ejāze' too long like 'ee'.
  • Swallowing the 'n' at the end of 'gereftan' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word 'اجازه' is easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 3/5

Remembering the spelling of 'اجازه' (with 'z' not 'zh' or 's') is key.

Speaking 2/5

Conjugating 'gereftan' is basic, and the phrase is used very often.

Listening 2/5

Native speakers pronounce it clearly, though 'gereftan' can be fast.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

گرفتن از من تو معلم

Learn Next

اجازه دادن مجاز ممنوع رخصت

Advanced

کسب تکلیف استجازه صلاحدید

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs

اجازه (Noun) + گرفتن (Light Verb).

Preposition 'az'

اجازه گرفتن از کسی.

Subjunctive Mood

اجازه گرفتم که بروم (Subjunctive 'beravam').

Negative Imperative

اجازه نگیر (Don't ask permission).

Present Continuous

دارم اجازه می‌گیرم.

Examples by Level

1

با اجازه؟

With permission? (May I?)

Shortened polite form.

2

من اجازه می‌گیرم.

I ask for permission.

Simple present tense.

3

او اجازه گرفت.

He/She got permission.

Simple past tense.

4

آیا اجازه گرفتی؟

Did you get permission?

Question form in past tense.

5

از مادر اجازه بگیر.

Ask permission from mother.

Imperative form.

6

بدون اجازه نرو.

Don't go without permission.

Negative imperative.

7

او بدون اجازه گرفت.

He took [it] without permission.

Usage with 'bedun-e' (without).

8

من همیشه اجازه می‌گیرم.

I always ask for permission.

Adverb 'hamishe' (always) used.

1

من از معلم اجازه گرفتم که به دستشویی بروم.

I got permission from the teacher to go to the bathroom.

Compound sentence with 'ke'.

2

باید قبل از برداشتن کتاب اجازه بگیری.

You must ask for permission before taking the book.

Using 'bāyad' (must).

3

علی از پدرش برای رفتن به سینما اجازه گرفت.

Ali got permission from his father to go to the cinema.

Preposition 'barāye' for the reason.

4

ما از مدیر اجازه می‌گیریم.

We are getting permission from the manager.

Present plural.

5

آنها بدون اجازه گرفتن وارد اتاق شدند.

They entered the room without asking for permission.

Gerund-like use of 'gereftan'.

6

آیا برای این کار اجازه گرفته‌ای؟

Have you gotten permission for this task?

Present perfect tense.

7

او هیچ‌وقت اجازه نمی‌گیرد.

He never asks for permission.

Negative present tense.

8

لطفاً از من اجازه بگیرید.

Please ask for permission from me.

Formal imperative.

1

اگر اجازه بگیری، می‌توانی از ماشین من استفاده کنی.

If you ask for permission, you can use my car.

Conditional sentence.

2

او قبل از اینکه حرف بزند، اجازه گرفت.

He asked for permission before he spoke.

Past tense with 'ghabl az inke'.

3

من دارم سعی می‌کنم از مادرم اجازه بگیرم.

I am trying to get permission from my mother.

Present continuous + infinitive structure.

4

خیلی مهم است که همیشه اجازه بگیرید.

It is very important that you always ask for permission.

Subjunctive mood after 'mohem ast ke'.

5

او بدون اجازه گرفتن از هیچ‌کس، شرکت را ترک کرد.

He left the company without asking for permission from anyone.

Usage of 'hich-kas' (anyone).

6

من اجازه گرفتم که فردا دیرتر به سر کار بیایم.

I got permission to come to work later tomorrow.

Subjunctive 'biāyam'.

7

بچه‌ها باید یاد بگیرند که اجازه بگیرند.

Children must learn to ask for permission.

Nested subjunctive.

8

آیا تا به حال برای چنین کاری اجازه گرفته‌ای؟

Have you ever gotten permission for such a thing?

Present perfect with 'tā be hāl'.

1

دولت باید از مجلس برای تغییر قوانین اجازه بگیرد.

The government must seek permission from parliament to change the laws.

Formal/Political context.

2

بدون اجازه گرفتن از صاحبان اثر، نباید از عکس‌هایشان استفاده کرد.

One should not use photos without asking for permission from the creators.

Impersonal 'nabāyad' structure.

3

او با اجازه گرفتن از والدینش، به سفر خارج از کشور رفت.

By getting permission from his parents, he went on a trip abroad.

Using 'bā' (with) to show means.

4

من ترجیح می‌دهم قبل از هر اقدامی، اجازه بگیرم.

I prefer to ask for permission before any action.

Using 'tarjih dādan' (to prefer).

5

اجازه گرفتن از مقامات محلی برای برگزاری مراسم ضروری است.

Seeking permission from local authorities is necessary for holding the ceremony.

Gerund as a subject.

6

او طوری رفتار می‌کند که انگار نیازی به اجازه گرفتن ندارد.

He behaves as if he doesn't need to ask for permission.

Using 'engār' (as if).

7

آنها پس از اجازه گرفتن از صاحب‌خانه، وارد باغ شدند.

They entered the garden after getting permission from the owner.

Temporal clause with 'pas az'.

8

آیا فکر می‌کنی او اجازه خواهد گرفت؟

Do you think he will ask for permission?

Future tense (informal style).

1

در این سازمان، اجازه گرفتن برای هر هزینه‌ای یک فرآیند طولانی است.

In this organization, seeking permission for every expense is a long process.

Noun phrase as subject.

2

او همواره با کسب اجازه از اساتید خود، به تحقیق می‌پردازد.

He always engages in research by seeking permission from his professors.

Formal 'kasb-e ejāze' variant.

3

عدم اجازه گرفتن می‌تواند منجر به اخراج شود.

Failure to seek permission can lead to dismissal.

Using 'adam' (lack/failure).

4

پژوهشگران باید از کمیته اخلاق اجازه بگیرند.

Researchers must obtain permission from the ethics committee.

Academic context.

5

او با زیرکی تمام، بدون اینکه کسی متوجه شود، اجازه گرفت.

With total cleverness, without anyone noticing, he got permission.

Adverbial phrases.

6

اجازه گرفتن در این شرایط، نشان‌دهنده احترام به قوانین بین‌المللی است.

Seeking permission in these circumstances indicates respect for international laws.

Complex abstract subject.

7

او مدعی بود که برای انتشار کتاب، اجازه گرفته است.

He claimed that he had obtained permission to publish the book.

Reported speech.

8

پیش از هرگونه مداخله نظامی، باید از شورای امنیت اجازه گرفت.

Before any military intervention, permission must be sought from the Security Council.

Passive/Impersonal construction.

1

استجازه از محضر مبارک ایشان برای چاپ اثر ضروری می‌نمود.

Seeking permission from his esteemed presence seemed necessary for the publication of the work.

Highly formal/Archaic 'estejāze'.

2

او بدون استجازه از ولی خود، هیچ قدمی برنمی‌داشت.

He would not take a single step without seeking permission from his guardian.

Legal/Religious 'estejāze'.

3

مفهوم اجازه گرفتن در فلسفه سیاسی او، جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

The concept of seeking permission holds a special place in his political philosophy.

Philosophical context.

4

او با ظرافتی خاص، اجازه گرفت تا نقد خود را مطرح کند.

With a particular subtlety, he sought permission to raise his critique.

Nuanced social interaction.

5

آیا می‌توان بدون اجازه گرفتن از وجدان، به چنین عملی دست زد؟

Can one commit such an act without seeking permission from one's conscience?

Metaphorical usage.

6

او در نامه‌ای، از پادشاه رخصت خواست تا به دیار خود بازگردد.

In a letter, he asked the king for leave to return to his homeland.

Literary/Historical 'rokhsat khāstan'.

7

اجازه گرفتن برای تفحص در اسناد طبقه‌بندی شده، الزامی است.

Obtaining permission to investigate classified documents is mandatory.

Legalistic vocabulary.

8

او با استناد به لزوم اجازه گرفتن، از انجام دستور سرباز زد.

Citing the necessity of obtaining permission, he refused to carry out the order.

Formal justification.

Common Collocations

اجازه گرفتن از والدین
اجازه گرفتن از معلم
بدون اجازه گرفتن
اجازه گرفتن برای خروج
اجازه گرفتن از رئیس
با اجازه گرفتن
حتماً اجازه بگیر
فرصت اجازه گرفتن
اجازه گرفتن کتبی
اجازه گرفتن شفاهی

Common Phrases

با اجازه

— A short way to say 'With your permission' when leaving or starting something.

من می‌روم، با اجازه!

با اجازه بزرگترها

— A traditional phrase used by a bride during a wedding ceremony before saying 'Yes'.

با اجازه بزرگترها، بله!

اجازه ما هم دست شماست

— A polite Ta'arof phrase meaning 'My permission is in your hands' (I defer to you).

هر چه شما بگویید، اجازه ما هم دست شماست.

بی‌اجازه

— Without permission (used as an adjective or adverb).

او بی‌اجازه وارد شد.

کسب اجازه

— The formal act of seeking permission.

او برای کسب اجازه به دفتر آمد.

اجازه کتبی

— Written permission.

برای این کار به اجازه کتبی نیاز دارید.

اجازه رسمی

— Official permission.

ما اجازه رسمی داریم.

اجازه مخصوص

— Special permission.

او اجازه مخصوص گرفت.

اجازه ورود

— Permission to enter.

او اجازه ورود گرفت.

اجازه خروج

— Permission to leave.

او اجازه خروج گرفت.

Often Confused With

اجازه گرفتن vs اجازه دادن

This means 'to give permission.' Do not use it when you are the one asking.

اجازه گرفتن vs اجازه داشتن

This means 'to have permission.' It describes a state, not the action of asking.

اجازه گرفتن vs پرسیدن

This means 'to ask a question.' It is not used for requests for permission.

Idioms & Expressions

"اجازه گرفتن از سایه خود"

— To be extremely cautious or timid, asking for permission for even the smallest things.

او آنقدر ترسو است که از سایه خودش هم اجازه می‌گیرد.

Informal/Humorous
"با اجازه شما"

— A very common polite expression used before doing something that might affect others.

با اجازه شما، من پنجره را باز می‌کنم.

Neutral
"اجازه هست؟"

— Is permission [granted]? / May I?

اجازه هست بنشینم؟

Neutral
"بدون اجازه آب نمی‌خورد"

— Refers to someone who is very strictly controlled or very disciplined and asks for permission for everything.

او بدون اجازه رئیسش آب نمی‌خورد.

Informal
"اجازه گرفتن از خدا و خلق"

— To seek approval from both divine and human authorities.

او برای این کار از خدا و خلق اجازه گرفت.

Religious/Formal
"رخصت طلبیدن"

— To seek permission in a chivalrous or traditional way.

پهلوان از استاد رخصت طلبید.

Literary
"اجازه گرفتن برای نفس کشیدن"

— An exaggeration used to describe a very controlling environment.

در آن خانه باید برای نفس کشیدن هم اجازه گرفت.

Informal/Sarcastic
"کسب تکلیف کردن از وجدان"

— To consult one's conscience.

او از وجدانش کسب تکلیف کرد.

Formal
"اجازه دادن و گرفتن"

— The back-and-forth of social negotiation.

زندگی اجتماعی پر از اجازه دادن و گرفتن است.

Neutral
"با اجازه کی؟"

— With whose permission? (Often said in anger or authority).

با اجازه کی این کار را کردی؟

Neutral/Aggressive

Easily Confused

اجازه گرفتن vs اجازه

Sounds like 'Azadeh' (a name).

Ejāze means permission; Azadeh means free/liberated.

اجازه (Permission) vs. آزاده (Name/Free).

اجازه گرفتن vs جواز

Both relate to permission.

Ejāze is the act/concept; Javāz is the physical permit or license.

من اجازه دارم. این جواز کسب من است.

اجازه گرفتن vs رخصت

Both mean permission.

Rokhsat is literary/traditional; Ejāze is everyday usage.

پهلوان رخصت خواست.

اجازه گرفتن vs موافقت

Similar outcome.

Ejāze is specifically from an authority; Movāfeghat is general agreement.

با من موافقت کردند.

اجازه گرفتن vs دستور

Both from authority.

Ejāze is something you seek; Dastur is something given to you to do.

رئیس به من دستور داد.

Sentence Patterns

A1

من اجازه می‌گیرم.

من اجازه می‌گیرم.

A2

من از [شخص] اجازه گرفتم.

من از پدرم اجازه گرفتم.

B1

باید اجازه بگیرم که [فعل].

باید اجازه بگیرم که بروم.

B2

بدون اجازه گرفتن، [جمله].

بدون اجازه گرفتن، وارد نشوید.

B2

اگر اجازه بگیری، [جمله].

اگر اجازه بگیری، می‌توانی بیایی.

C1

اجازه گرفتن از [مقامات] الزامی است.

اجازه گرفتن از پلیس الزامی است.

C1

او با کسب اجازه از... [جمله].

او با کسب اجازه از مدیر، پروژه را شروع کرد.

C2

استجازه از [منبع] ضروری می‌نماید.

استجازه از دادگاه ضروری می‌نماید.

Word Family

Nouns

اجازه (Permission)
مجوز (License/Permit)
جواز (Permit)
استجازه (Seeking permission)

Verbs

اجازه دادن (To give permission)
اجازه خواستن (To request permission)
مجاز بودن (To be allowed)

Adjectives

مجاز (Authorized/Allowed)
غیرمجاز (Unauthorized)
جایز (Permissible)

Related

رخصت
تکلیف
موافقت
تصویب
تایید

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily Persian life.

Common Mistakes
  • من اجازه پرسیدم. من اجازه گرفتم.

    You don't 'ask' (porsidan) permission in Persian; you 'take' (gereftan) it.

  • من اجازه دادم که بروم. من اجازه گرفتم که بروم.

    'Dādan' means you gave permission to someone else. 'Gereftan' means you received it.

  • اجازه گرفتن برای معلم. اجازه گرفتن از معلم.

    Use 'az' for the person you are asking. 'Barāye' means you are doing it on their behalf.

  • اجازه گرفتم رفتن. اجازه گرفتم که بروم.

    Use the subjunctive mood after 'ejāze gereftan', not the infinitive.

  • بدون اجازه رفتم. بدون اجازه گرفتن رفتم.

    While 'bi-ejāze' works, 'bedun-e ejāze گرفتن' is the full, more natural verb usage.

Tips

The Power of Ta'arof

Even if you are the boss, asking 'با اجازه شما' (with your permission) to your employees before starting a meeting makes you look like a respected, polite leader.

Subjunctive Alert

Whenever you say 'I got permission to [verb]', that second verb MUST be in the subjunctive. 'Ejāze gereftam ke beravam' (I got permission that I go).

Permit vs. Permission

Use 'ejāze' for the abstract concept and 'mojavvez' or 'javāz' for the physical piece of paper like a business license.

The Short Form

In a hurry? Just say 'Ba ejāze!' when leaving a room. It's the ultimate 'polite exit' phrase.

Spelling Tip

The word 'اجازه' ends with a 'He' (ه). Even though you don't hear a strong 'h', don't forget to write it!

Children and Permission

If you are around Iranian families, you'll see kids are praised for 'ejāze gereftan'. It's a huge part of being 'ba-adab' (well-mannered).

Listen for 'Az'

The person giving the permission is always preceded by 'az'. This helps you track who the authority figure is in a story.

Office Etiquette

Always 'ejāze gereftan' before taking a vacation. In Iran, it's not just a notification; it's a request for approval.

Formal Requests

In legal documents, you will see 'کسب اجازه' (kasb-e ejāze). It sounds much more professional than the simple verb.

Entering Rooms

Never just walk into a closed office or room. Knock and say 'Ejāze هست؟' (Is permission granted?).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are 'grabbing' (gereftan) a golden key called 'ejāze' to open a door. You can't open the door without grabbing that key first!

Visual Association

A student raising their hand in a classroom. The hand is reaching out to 'take' the teacher's nod of approval.

Word Web

Parent Teacher Boss Rules Politeness Ta'arof Authorization Consent

Challenge

Try to use the phrase 'با اجازه' (ba ejāze) every time you leave a room or a conversation today. Notice how it changes the social dynamic.

Word Origin

The word 'اجازه' (ejāze) is borrowed from Arabic 'إِجَازَة' (ijāza), which comes from the root 'j-w-z' meaning 'to pass' or 'to be permissible.' The verb 'گرفتن' (gereftan) is a pure Persian verb from the Middle Persian 'giraftan' and Old Persian 'grab-'.

Original meaning: In Arabic, 'ijāza' originally referred to a grant of authority, specifically a certificate to teach. In Persian, it became the general word for permission.

Arabic (Noun) + Indo-European/Iranian (Verb).

Cultural Context

Be aware that in very traditional settings, the hierarchy of who asks whom for permission is strictly observed (younger to older, subordinate to superior).

English speakers might find the frequent need for 'ejāze' a bit formal, but in Persian, omitting it can seem 'bi-adab' (rude).

The phrase 'با اجازه بزرگترها' in every Iranian wedding movie. The poem by Saadi about the manners of students seeking permission. The movie 'Bashu, the Little Stranger' where permission is a theme of belonging.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School

  • اجازه هست؟
  • از معلم اجازه گرفتم.
  • بدون اجازه حرف نزن.
  • اجازه برای دستشویی.

Home

  • از بابات اجازه گرفتی؟
  • بدون اجازه نرو بیرون.
  • اول اجازه بگیر.
  • با اجازه بزرگترها.

Office

  • باید از رئیس اجازه بگیرم.
  • اجازه مرخصی.
  • کسب تکلیف برای پروژه.
  • اجازه کتبی لازم است.

Social Gatherings

  • با اجازه شما، من می‌روم.
  • اجازه ما هم دست شماست.
  • با اجازه!
  • رخصت بفرمایید.

Legal/Bureaucracy

  • اجازه ورود به منطقه.
  • اجازه اقامت.
  • اجازه خروج از کشور.
  • کسب اجازه رسمی.

Conversation Starters

"آیا برای رفتن به مهمانی از والدینت اجازه گرفتی؟ (Did you get permission from your parents to go to the party?)"

"چطور می‌توانم از مدیر برای مرخصی اجازه بگیرم؟ (How can I ask the manager for permission for leave?)"

"آیا در فرهنگ شما هم اجازه گرفتن خیلی مهم است؟ (Is asking for permission also very important in your culture?)"

"آخرین باری که بدون اجازه گرفتن کاری کردی کی بود؟ (When was the last time you did something without asking for permission?)"

"فکر می‌کنی بچه‌ها باید برای هر چیزی اجازه بگیرند؟ (Do you think kids should ask for permission for everything?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که فراموش کردید اجازه بگیرید و چه اتفاقی افتاد. (Write about a time you forgot to ask for permission and what happened.)

تفاوت اجازه گرفتن در ایران و کشور خودتان را توصیف کنید. (Describe the difference between asking for permission in Iran and your own country.)

چرا اجازه گرفتن از دیگران نشانه احترام است؟ (Why is asking for permission from others a sign of respect?)

نامه‌ای رسمی بنویسید و در آن از رئیس خود اجازه بگیرید. (Write a formal letter asking for permission from your boss.)

آیا اجازه گرفتن همیشه لازم است؟ نظر خود را بنویسید. (Is asking for permission always necessary? Write your opinion.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake. In Persian, you 'take' (gereftan) permission. Saying 'porsidan' sounds like you are asking a trivia question about permission.

They are very similar. 'Gereftan' (to take) is more common and implies getting the result. 'Khāstan' (to want/request) focuses more on the request itself.

You can say 'Ejāze hast?' (Is there permission?) or 'Ba ejāze?' (With permission?).

Yes, the noun 'ejāze' is Arabic, but the verb 'gereftan' is Persian. This is a common pattern in Persian compound verbs.

Yes, 'ejāze gereftan' is a core part of Ta'arof. Asking for permission even when you know the answer is 'yes' shows respect.

You say 'bi-ejāze' or 'bedun-e ejāze'.

Not directly. It's more about formal permission. To ask someone out, you would use different verbs like 'da'vat kardan' (to invite).

It means 'with the permission of the elders.' It is a famous phrase used by brides at weddings.

The present stem is 'gir' and the past stem is 'gereft'. It follows the standard pattern for many Persian verbs.

Use it in very formal office settings or when talking to a superior in a hierarchical organization like the military.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence asking for permission from your boss.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'I got permission to go out' in Persian.

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writing

Use 'بدون اجازه گرفتن' in a sentence.

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writing

Write the negative imperative: 'Don't ask for permission.'

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writing

Translate: 'Did you ask for permission from your mother?'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'با اجازه شما'.

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writing

Write 'We are getting permission' in Persian.

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writing

Translate: 'Permission is necessary.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence using 'کسب اجازه'.

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writing

Use 'اگر' (if) with 'اجازه گرفتن'.

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writing

Translate: 'He never asks for permission.'

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writing

Write 'I will ask for permission tomorrow.'

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writing

Translate: 'Ask for permission first!'

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writing

Write a sentence about a student and a teacher using this verb.

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writing

Translate: 'Why didn't you ask for permission?'

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writing

Write 'I had to ask for permission.'

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writing

Translate: 'With the permission of my parents, I traveled.'

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writing

Use 'رخصت' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Seeking permission is a sign of respect.'

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writing

Write 'They asked for permission to enter the garden.'

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speaking

Say 'May I enter?' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell your friend: 'Ask for permission from your dad.'

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speaking

Say 'I got permission from the boss.'

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speaking

Ask: 'Did you get permission?'

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speaking

Say 'With your permission, I'll start.'

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speaking

Explain in Persian why you need to ask for permission.

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speaking

Say 'Don't go without permission.'

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speaking

Say 'I must ask for permission to go to the party.'

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speaking

Say 'He never asks for permission.'

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speaking

Say 'With your permission!' (short form).

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speaking

Say 'I am going to get permission now.'

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speaking

Say 'We got permission from everyone.'

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speaking

Say 'Ask permission before taking my car.'

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speaking

Say 'May I sit here?'

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speaking

Say 'I didn't get permission yet.'

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speaking

Say 'I'll ask for permission tomorrow.'

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speaking

Say 'He entered without permission.'

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speaking

Say 'You should ask for permission first.'

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speaking

Say 'I need permission to use the internet.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Did Ali get permission from his teacher?'

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listening

Listen to 'از رئیس اجازه گرفتم' and identify the subject.

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listening

Listen to 'بدون اجازه نرو' and identify if it is a command or a statement.

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listening

Listen to 'او اجازه گرفت' and identify the tense.

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listening

Listen to 'با اجازه شما' and identify the context.

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listening

Listen to 'دارم اجازه می‌گیرم' and identify the aspect.

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listening

Listen to 'باید اجازه بگیری' and identify the modal verb.

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listening

Listen to 'اجازه نگرفتم' and identify if it is positive or negative.

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listening

Listen to 'از کی اجازه گرفتی؟' and translate the question.

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listening

Listen to 'رخصت می‌طلبم' and identify the level of formality.

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listening

Listen to 'اجازه هست؟' and identify the meaning.

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listening

Listen to 'اجازه خروج' and translate the phrase.

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listening

Listen to 'کسب اجازه رسمی' and identify the context.

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listening

Listen to 'او اجازه می‌خواهد' and identify the verb.

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listening

Listen to 'بدون اجازه گرفتن ننشین' and translate.

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listening

Listen to 'بچه‌ها اجازه گرفتند' and identify the subject number.

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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