اجازه گرفتن
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
| Phrase | Register | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| اجازه گرفتن | Neutral/Daily | Everywhere |
| رخصت خواستن | Literary/Formal | Traditional events |
| کسب تکلیف کردن | Professional/Bureaucratic | Offices/Military |
| صلاحدید خواستن | Formal | Asking 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
- 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
The word 'اجازه' is easy to recognize once learned.
Remembering the spelling of 'اجازه' (with 'z' not 'zh' or 's') is key.
Conjugating 'gereftan' is basic, and the phrase is used very often.
Native speakers pronounce it clearly, though 'gereftan' can be fast.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
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
با اجازه؟
With permission? (May I?)
Shortened polite form.
من اجازه میگیرم.
I ask for permission.
Simple present tense.
او اجازه گرفت.
He/She got permission.
Simple past tense.
آیا اجازه گرفتی؟
Did you get permission?
Question form in past tense.
از مادر اجازه بگیر.
Ask permission from mother.
Imperative form.
بدون اجازه نرو.
Don't go without permission.
Negative imperative.
او بدون اجازه گرفت.
He took [it] without permission.
Usage with 'bedun-e' (without).
من همیشه اجازه میگیرم.
I always ask for permission.
Adverb 'hamishe' (always) used.
من از معلم اجازه گرفتم که به دستشویی بروم.
I got permission from the teacher to go to the bathroom.
Compound sentence with 'ke'.
باید قبل از برداشتن کتاب اجازه بگیری.
You must ask for permission before taking the book.
Using 'bāyad' (must).
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.
ما از مدیر اجازه میگیریم.
We are getting permission from the manager.
Present plural.
آنها بدون اجازه گرفتن وارد اتاق شدند.
They entered the room without asking for permission.
Gerund-like use of 'gereftan'.
آیا برای این کار اجازه گرفتهای؟
Have you gotten permission for this task?
Present perfect tense.
او هیچوقت اجازه نمیگیرد.
He never asks for permission.
Negative present tense.
لطفاً از من اجازه بگیرید.
Please ask for permission from me.
Formal imperative.
اگر اجازه بگیری، میتوانی از ماشین من استفاده کنی.
If you ask for permission, you can use my car.
Conditional sentence.
او قبل از اینکه حرف بزند، اجازه گرفت.
He asked for permission before he spoke.
Past tense with 'ghabl az inke'.
من دارم سعی میکنم از مادرم اجازه بگیرم.
I am trying to get permission from my mother.
Present continuous + infinitive structure.
خیلی مهم است که همیشه اجازه بگیرید.
It is very important that you always ask for permission.
Subjunctive mood after 'mohem ast ke'.
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).
من اجازه گرفتم که فردا دیرتر به سر کار بیایم.
I got permission to come to work later tomorrow.
Subjunctive 'biāyam'.
بچهها باید یاد بگیرند که اجازه بگیرند.
Children must learn to ask for permission.
Nested subjunctive.
آیا تا به حال برای چنین کاری اجازه گرفتهای؟
Have you ever gotten permission for such a thing?
Present perfect with 'tā be hāl'.
دولت باید از مجلس برای تغییر قوانین اجازه بگیرد.
The government must seek permission from parliament to change the laws.
Formal/Political context.
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.
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.
من ترجیح میدهم قبل از هر اقدامی، اجازه بگیرم.
I prefer to ask for permission before any action.
Using 'tarjih dādan' (to prefer).
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.
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).
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'.
آیا فکر میکنی او اجازه خواهد گرفت؟
Do you think he will ask for permission?
Future tense (informal style).
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.
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.
عدم اجازه گرفتن میتواند منجر به اخراج شود.
Failure to seek permission can lead to dismissal.
Using 'adam' (lack/failure).
پژوهشگران باید از کمیته اخلاق اجازه بگیرند.
Researchers must obtain permission from the ethics committee.
Academic context.
او با زیرکی تمام، بدون اینکه کسی متوجه شود، اجازه گرفت.
With total cleverness, without anyone noticing, he got permission.
Adverbial phrases.
اجازه گرفتن در این شرایط، نشاندهنده احترام به قوانین بینالمللی است.
Seeking permission in these circumstances indicates respect for international laws.
Complex abstract subject.
او مدعی بود که برای انتشار کتاب، اجازه گرفته است.
He claimed that he had obtained permission to publish the book.
Reported speech.
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.
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'.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
اجازه گرفتن برای تفحص در اسناد طبقهبندی شده، الزامی است.
Obtaining permission to investigate classified documents is mandatory.
Legalistic vocabulary.
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
Common Phrases
— A short way to say 'With your permission' when leaving or starting something.
من میروم، با اجازه!
— A traditional phrase used by a bride during a wedding ceremony before saying 'Yes'.
با اجازه بزرگترها، بله!
— 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.
Often Confused With
This means 'to give permission.' Do not use it when you are the one asking.
This means 'to have permission.' It describes a state, not the action of asking.
This means 'to ask a question.' It is not used for requests for permission.
Idioms & Expressions
— 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— A very common polite expression used before doing something that might affect others.
با اجازه شما، من پنجره را باز میکنم.
Neutral— Refers to someone who is very strictly controlled or very disciplined and asks for permission for everything.
او بدون اجازه رئیسش آب نمیخورد.
Informal— To seek approval from both divine and human authorities.
او برای این کار از خدا و خلق اجازه گرفت.
Religious/Formal— To seek permission in a chivalrous or traditional way.
پهلوان از استاد رخصت طلبید.
Literary— An exaggeration used to describe a very controlling environment.
در آن خانه باید برای نفس کشیدن هم اجازه گرفت.
Informal/Sarcastic— The back-and-forth of social negotiation.
زندگی اجتماعی پر از اجازه دادن و گرفتن است.
Neutral— With whose permission? (Often said in anger or authority).
با اجازه کی این کار را کردی؟
Neutral/AggressiveEasily Confused
Sounds like 'Azadeh' (a name).
Ejāze means permission; Azadeh means free/liberated.
اجازه (Permission) vs. آزاده (Name/Free).
Both relate to permission.
Ejāze is the act/concept; Javāz is the physical permit or license.
من اجازه دارم. این جواز کسب من است.
Both mean permission.
Rokhsat is literary/traditional; Ejāze is everyday usage.
پهلوان رخصت خواست.
Similar outcome.
Ejāze is specifically from an authority; Movāfeghat is general agreement.
با من موافقت کردند.
Both from authority.
Ejāze is something you seek; Dastur is something given to you to do.
رئیس به من دستور داد.
Sentence Patterns
من اجازه میگیرم.
من اجازه میگیرم.
من از [شخص] اجازه گرفتم.
من از پدرم اجازه گرفتم.
باید اجازه بگیرم که [فعل].
باید اجازه بگیرم که بروم.
بدون اجازه گرفتن، [جمله].
بدون اجازه گرفتن، وارد نشوید.
اگر اجازه بگیری، [جمله].
اگر اجازه بگیری، میتوانی بیایی.
اجازه گرفتن از [مقامات] الزامی است.
اجازه گرفتن از پلیس الزامی است.
او با کسب اجازه از... [جمله].
او با کسب اجازه از مدیر، پروژه را شروع کرد.
استجازه از [منبع] ضروری مینماید.
استجازه از دادگاه ضروری مینماید.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in daily Persian life.
-
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
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).
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 questionsNo, 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
Write a sentence asking for permission from your boss.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I got permission to go out' in Persian.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'بدون اجازه گرفتن' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write the negative imperative: 'Don't ask for permission.'
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Translate: 'Did you ask for permission from your mother?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'با اجازه شما'.
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Write 'We are getting permission' in Persian.
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Translate: 'Permission is necessary.'
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Write a formal sentence using 'کسب اجازه'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'اگر' (if) with 'اجازه گرفتن'.
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Translate: 'He never asks for permission.'
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Write 'I will ask for permission tomorrow.'
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Translate: 'Ask for permission first!'
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Write a sentence about a student and a teacher using this verb.
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Translate: 'Why didn't you ask for permission?'
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Write 'I had to ask for permission.'
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Translate: 'With the permission of my parents, I traveled.'
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Use 'رخصت' in a sentence.
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Translate: 'Seeking permission is a sign of respect.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'They asked for permission to enter the garden.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'May I enter?' in Persian.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Tell your friend: 'Ask for permission from your dad.'
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You said:
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Say 'I got permission from the boss.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Ask: 'Did you get permission?'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'With your permission, I'll start.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Explain in Persian why you need to ask for permission.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'Don't go without permission.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'I must ask for permission to go to the party.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'He never asks for permission.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'With your permission!' (short form).
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'I am going to get permission now.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'We got permission from everyone.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'Ask permission before taking my car.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'May I sit here?'
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You said:
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Say 'I didn't get permission yet.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'I'll ask for permission tomorrow.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'He entered without permission.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'You should ask for permission first.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'I need permission to use the internet.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'Did Ali get permission from his teacher?'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Listen to 'از رئیس اجازه گرفتم' and identify the subject.
Listen to 'بدون اجازه نرو' and identify if it is a command or a statement.
Listen to 'او اجازه گرفت' and identify the tense.
Listen to 'با اجازه شما' and identify the context.
Listen to 'دارم اجازه میگیرم' and identify the aspect.
Listen to 'باید اجازه بگیری' and identify the modal verb.
Listen to 'اجازه نگرفتم' and identify if it is positive or negative.
Listen to 'از کی اجازه گرفتی؟' and translate the question.
Listen to 'رخصت میطلبم' and identify the level of formality.
Listen to 'اجازه هست؟' and identify the meaning.
Listen to 'اجازه خروج' and translate the phrase.
Listen to 'کسب اجازه رسمی' and identify the context.
Listen to 'او اجازه میخواهد' and identify the verb.
Listen to 'بدون اجازه گرفتن ننشین' and translate.
Listen to 'بچهها اجازه گرفتند' and identify the subject number.
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Always remember that in Persian, you 'take' permission rather than just 'asking' for it. Using 'اجازه گرفتن' with the preposition 'از' (az) is the standard way to show politeness and respect to parents, teachers, and bosses. Example: 'از معلم اجازه گرفتم' (I got permission from the teacher).
- 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 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.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
عادتوار
C1As a matter of habit; habitually.
عادی
A1Conforming to the usual or standard type; normal or ordinary.
عافیت
B2Well-being; the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
عاجل
B2Requiring immediate attention or action; urgent.
عاقبت
C1The outcome or result of an action or event.
عاقل
A1Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment; wise.
عالمگیر
C1Universal, worldwide, or affecting all parts of the world.
عالی
A1Excellent; extremely good or outstanding.
عام
B1General, common, public.
اعم از
B2Including; whether (used to introduce options).