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قول گرفتن

B1 verb #9,000 most common 10 min read

قول گرفتن

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips قول گرفتن in 30 Seconds

Explanation قول گرفتن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'قول گرفتن' (qowl gereftan) as a simple way to say 'getting a promise.' Even though it is a B1-level concept in its full usage, you can start by learning it as two separate words: 'qowl' meaning 'promise' and 'gereftan' meaning 'to take.' At this stage, you might use it in very short sentences like 'I took a promise' (من قول گرفتم). It is important to know that in Persian, we don't just 'receive' a promise like a gift; we 'take' it. This shows you are asking someone to be sure about what they say. You will mostly hear this from parents or teachers. For example, 'Take a promise from your friend' (از دوستت قول بگیر). Just remember that the word 'az' (from) is used before the person you are talking to. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the idea of 'taking a word' from someone else to make sure they will do something simple, like playing or sharing a toy.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'قول گرفتن' in more complete sentences. You should learn to connect it with the person you are getting the promise from using the preposition 'از' (az). For example, 'I got a promise from my father' (از پدرم قول گرفتم). At this level, you are also learning the past and present tenses. You can say 'I am getting a promise' (دارم قول می‌گیرم) or 'I will get a promise' (قول می‌گیرم). You might also start using it with simple 'to' phrases. Although the full 'ke' (that) clause is more advanced, A2 learners can use it to talk about daily plans. 'I got a promise from him to come to my house.' It’s a very useful verb for making plans with friends and ensuring they don't cancel at the last minute. In Iran, people use this a lot to make sure 'Ta'arof' (polite talk) is actually a real invitation. If someone says 'come to my house,' and you 'take a promise,' it makes the invitation more real.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'قول گرفتن' with its full grammatical structure, specifically the 'که' (ke) subordinate clause. This is the level where you master the relationship between the main verb and the following action. When you 'take a promise that...' the second verb usually needs to be in the subjunctive mood. For example, 'از او قول گرفتم که به من کمک کند' (I got a promise from him that he [should] help me). You should also be comfortable using it in various tenses, including the perfect tenses (قول گرفته‌ام - I have taken a promise). This is also the stage where you understand the social nuance: 'taking a promise' is a way to secure a commitment in a culture where verbal agreements are very important. You can use it in semi-formal situations, like at work or when dealing with neighbors. You should also be able to distinguish it clearly from 'قول دادن' (to give a promise) and not mix up the direction of the action. You are now moving beyond simple mechanics into the 'intent' behind the verb.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'قول گرفتن' in complex sentences and understand its idiomatic variations. You might use adjectives to qualify the promise, such as 'قولِ مردانه گرفتن' (to take a man's promise/a solemn vow) or 'قولِ قطعی گرفتن' (to get a definitive promise). You can also use it in conditional sentences: 'If I hadn't taken a promise from him, he wouldn't have come' (اگر ازش قول نگرفته بودم، نمی‌آمد). At this level, you understand that 'قول گرفتن' is often used to navigate the complexities of Iranian social contracts. You might hear it in more formal contexts, like news reports or business negotiations, where it might be replaced by 'تعهد گرفتن' (to take a commitment) for extra weight. You should be able to use the verb to express frustration, hope, or negotiation. For instance, 'I'm trying to get a promise from the landlord to fix the heater.' Your usage should feel natural, reflecting an understanding of both the grammar and the cultural pressure that 'taking a promise' exerts on the other person.

At the C1 level, your use of 'قول گرفتن' should show a deep appreciation for Persian nuances and register. You understand that while 'قول گرفتن' is the standard term, in high-level literature or formal diplomacy, synonyms like 'میثاق گرفتن' or 'پیمان گرفتن' might be more appropriate. You can use 'قول گرفتن' as a rhetorical device in debates or creative writing. You understand the psychological weight of the verb—how 'taking' a promise is an act of securing trust. You can analyze the use of this verb in Persian classical literature or modern cinema to discuss themes of loyalty and betrayal. You are also proficient in using the passive forms or more complex compound structures, such as 'قول و قرار گرفتن' (to settle on promises and arrangements). Your sentences will be long, fluid, and grammatically perfect, incorporating advanced conjunctions and sophisticated vocabulary to describe exactly why and how a promise was secured. You can also use it sarcastically or ironically in social commentary.

At the C2 level, 'قول گرفتن' is just one tool in a vast arsenal of expressions regarding commitment. You use it with the ease of a native speaker, often blending it with metaphors or cultural references. You might discuss the 'philosophy' of taking a promise in a culture where 'honoring one's word' is a core value. You can navigate the most delicate social situations, knowing exactly when to 'take a promise' to ensure a result without offending the other party. You understand the historical evolution of the word 'qowl' from its Arabic roots to its central place in Persian ethics. You can use the verb in legalistic contexts, comparing it with 'اخذِ تعهد' (obtaining a commitment) in a contract. Whether you are writing a scholarly article on Persian social structures or engaging in a high-stakes negotiation, you use 'قول گرفتن' and its variants with absolute precision, capturing every shade of meaning from a playful pinky-swear to a life-altering vow. You also recognize when the absence of 'taking a promise' is a sign of ultimate trust.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

قول گرفتن in 30 Seconds

To actively secure a verbal commitment from another person in Persian.
A common B1-level compound verb using 'qowl' (promise) and 'gereftan' (to take).
Essential for distinguishing between polite 'ta'arof' and real, binding intentions.
Grammatically requires the preposition 'az' (from) before the person promising.

The Persian verb قول گرفتن (qowl gereftan) is a fundamental compound verb that translates literally to "to take a promise" or "to get a promise." While the English equivalent "to get a promise" exists, the Persian usage is deeply woven into the fabric of social interactions, trust-building, and interpersonal accountability. In the Iranian cultural context, a 'qowl' (promise) is often viewed as a moral contract, and the act of 'gereftan' (taking/getting) it implies an active effort to secure a commitment from another person. This isn't just a passive reception of information; it is a proactive step to ensure that a future action will occur. Whether you are a parent asking a child to finish their homework, a friend ensuring someone shows up to a party, or a business partner seeking a verbal commitment before a contract is signed, this phrase is your primary tool. It bridges the gap between a simple statement of intent and a binding social agreement.

The Active Nature of the Verb: Unlike 'قول دادن' (to give a promise), 'قول گرفتن' places the agency on the person who wants the assurance. It suggests a level of importance or perhaps a slight doubt that needs to be cleared. When you 'take' a promise, you are essentially saying, 'I need your word on this to feel secure.'
Social Significance: In Persian culture, 'qowl' is tied to one's 'sharaf' (honor). Therefore, 'taking a promise' is a way of invoking the other person's integrity. It is used frequently in daily life to solidify plans that might otherwise remain vague.

«ازش قول گرفتم که فردا حتماً بیاد.» (I got a promise from him that he would definitely come tomorrow.)

Common usage in a social planning context.

The verb consists of the noun 'قول' (word/promise) and the light verb 'گرفتن' (to take/get/catch). Because 'gereftan' is one of the most versatile verbs in Persian, its combination with 'qowl' creates a specific semantic unit that doesn't just mean receiving a gift of a promise, but rather 'securing' it. In many cases, it is used when the speaker wants to emphasize that they have done their due diligence in making sure the other party is committed. For instance, if a plan fails, the person might say, 'But I took a promise from you!' (اما من ازت قول گرفته بودم!), highlighting the breach of a secured agreement.

Grammatical Structure: The verb usually takes the preposition 'از' (az - from) to indicate the person giving the promise. The structure is: [Subject] + از + [Person] + قول + [Conjugated Gereftan].

«باید از مدیر قول بگیریم که حقوق‌ها را زودتر بدهد.» (We must get a promise from the manager to pay the salaries earlier.)

Using قول گرفتن correctly requires understanding how compound verbs conjugate and how they interact with subordinate clauses. Since the 'action' part of the verb is 'gereftan,' all changes for tense, person, and mood happen there. The noun 'qowl' remains static. The most common sentence pattern involves a 'که' (ke - that) clause which describes exactly what the promise is about. This structure is essential for clear communication in Persian, as it links the act of promising to the specific content of the pledge.

«مادرم از من قول گرفت که اتاقم را تمیز کنم.» (My mother got a promise from me to clean my room.)

In the example above, 'madaram' is the subject, 'az man' (from me) is the source of the promise, 'qowl gereft' is the past tense verb, and the 'ke' clause specifies the action. Note that in Persian, the verb inside the 'ke' clause often takes the subjunctive mood (clean -> tamiz konam) because a promise refers to a future, non-realized event. This is a crucial grammatical point for B1 learners to master.

Tense Variations: Present Continuous: دارم ازش قول می‌گیرم (I am getting a promise from him).
Future: از تو قول خواهم گرفت (I will get a promise from you - formal).
Imperative: از او قول بگیر! (Get a promise from him!).

Another nuance is using the verb without a specific 'ke' clause when the context is already understood. For example, if someone asks, 'Did he agree to help?' you might simply reply, 'Yes, I got a promise' (بله، قول گرفتم). This shorthand is very common in spoken Persian. Furthermore, the intensity of the 'taking' can be modified with adjectives. You can 'take a firm promise' (قولِ سفت و سخت گرفتن) or 'take a man's promise' (قولِ مردانه گرفتن), which historically implies a very serious and unbreakable commitment.

«قبل از رفتن، ازش قولِ محکم بگیر.» (Before leaving, get a firm promise from him.)

Advanced learners should also note that قول گرفتن can be used in the passive voice, though it is less common. 'قول گرفته شد' (A promise was taken) might appear in formal reports or literature. However, for everyday communication, sticking to the active voice is much more natural. The verb can also be used in the negative to express a failure to secure a commitment: 'نتوانستم از او قول بگیرم' (I couldn't get a promise from him).

You will encounter قول گرفتن in almost every corner of Iranian life. Because Iranian culture places high value on verbal commitments and 'ta'arof' (ritual politeness), the act of 'taking a promise' serves as a necessary anchor to distinguish between polite suggestions and actual intentions. Without 'taking a promise,' a statement like 'We should have dinner sometime' might just be ta'arof. But once you say, 'Promise me you'll come' (بهم قول بده/ازات قول می‌گیرم), the interaction moves into a more serious territory.

In the Family: Parents are constantly 'taking promises' from children. 'Get a promise from your brother not to touch your toys.' It's a way of teaching responsibility and the weight of one's word from a young age.
In Friendships: Friends use it to ensure attendance or secrecy. 'I'll tell you the secret, but I have to get a promise first that you won't tell anyone.' This builds a 'safe space' of mutual trust.

«از من قول نگیر، چون نمی‌دانم وقت می‌کنم یا نه.» (Don't get a promise from me [don't make me promise], because I don't know if I'll have time or not.)

In television dramas and Persian cinema, this phrase is a staple. It often appears in climactic scenes where a protagonist 'takes a promise' from a dying relative or a departing lover. These scenes emphasize the eternal nature of a 'qowl' in the Persian psyche. In business settings, while contracts are king, the 'verbal promise' (قولِ شفاهی) still holds immense weight, especially in traditional bazaars where a man's word is often considered as good as his signature. A merchant might say, 'I took a promise from the wholesaler to deliver by Friday,' and this is often enough to keep the gears of trade turning.

You will also hear it in news and political commentary, though sometimes in a more cynical tone. Journalists might ask if a politician 'got a promise' from a foreign power, or they might lament that 'promises were taken but never kept.' This shows the verb's versatility across different registers of the language, from the most intimate domestic settings to the highest levels of international diplomacy. For a learner, hearing this word should immediately signal that a commitment is being negotiated or has been finalized.

Learning قول گرفتن involves navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. The most frequent error for English speakers is confusing it with its counterpart, قول دادن (to give a promise). Because English uses 'get' and 'give' somewhat flexibly, learners often mix up the direction of the promise. Remember: Gereftan = Taking/Getting (you are the recipient of the assurance); Dadan = Giving (you are the one making the assurance).

Mistake 1: Wrong Preposition: Using 'به' (to) instead of 'از' (from).
❌ من به او قول گرفتم. (Incorrect)
✅ من از او قول گرفتم. (Correct)
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Gereftan' with 'Bastan': While 'پیمان بستن' (to close a covenant) is a phrase, 'قول بستن' does not exist. Stick to 'gereftan' for promises.

«اشتباه: من از دوستم قول دادم که بیاید.» (Error: I gave a promise from my friend that he would come.)

The speaker meant 'took a promise' but used 'gave'.

Another common mistake is the incorrect use of the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause. Since 'taking a promise' is about a future possibility, the second verb must reflect that uncertainty. Using the simple present or past in the 'ke' clause often sounds unnatural. For example, 'I took a promise that he *comes*' sounds wrong; it should be 'I took a promise that he *should come*' (قول گرفتم که بیاید).

Lastly, pay attention to the word order. In Persian, the noun 'qowl' usually stays right before the verb 'gereftan'. Inserting too many words between them can make the sentence clunky. While 'از او یک قولِ خیلی خوب گرفتم' is correct, try to keep the compound verb components relatively close together for better flow. Also, avoid using 'gereftan' with other nouns that don't fit; for instance, you 'take a promise' but you 'receive' (دریافت کردن) a letter. They are not interchangeable.

While قول گرفتن is the most common way to express securing a pledge, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the nature of the agreement. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're in a bazaar or a boardroom.

وعده گرفتن (Va'de Gereftan): 'Va'de' is slightly more formal than 'qowl'. It is often used for official promises or appointments. While 'qowl' is a 'word,' 'va'de' is a 'promise/appointment.' You might 'take a va'de' from a doctor or a government official.
تعهد گرفتن (Ta'ahod Gereftan): This is much stronger and more formal. It means 'to secure a commitment' or 'to take an undertaking.' It often implies a legal or semi-legal obligation. If someone breaks a 'ta'ahod,' there are usually consequences beyond just social disappointment.
میثاق گرفتن (Misagh Gereftan): This is a literary and highly formal term, often used in religious or historical contexts. It refers to a 'covenant' or a 'sacred bond.' You won't hear this in daily conversation, but you will see it in literature and formal speeches.

«از پیمانکار تعهد گرفتیم که پروژه را تا عید تمام کند.» (We got a commitment from the contractor to finish the project by Nowruz.)

Using 'ta'ahod' for a professional context.

When comparing قول گرفتن to بیعت کردن (Bey'at kardan), the latter is very specific to 'pledging allegiance,' usually to a leader or a cause. It's a one-way 'taking' of a promise of loyalty. On the other hand, قرار گذاشتن (Gharar gozashtan) means 'to make an appointment' or 'to set a plan.' While it involves a promise to meet, it's more about the logistics of the meeting than the moral weight of the word itself. If you want to emphasize that someone *must* do something they said they would, 'قول گرفتن' is your best bet.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب عالی، بنده باید از شما قول بگیرم که این موضوع محرمانه بماند."

Neutral

"از او قول گرفتم که فردا بیاید."

Informal

"ازش قول گرفتم بیاد."

Child friendly

"بیا از هم قول بگیریم که همیشه دوست بمانیم."

Slang

"قولشو ازش قاپیدم!"

Fun Fact

In many Middle Eastern cultures, including Iran, 'giving one's word' was historically more binding than a written contract. Therefore, 'taking' that word was a significant social ritual.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /qɒʊl ɡe.ræf.tæn/

US /koʊl ɡə.ræf.tæn/

Stress is on the second syllable of 'gereftan' (ref). In 'qowl,' the stress is naturally on the single syllable.

Rhymes With

خواب گرفتن (khab gereftan) یاد گرفتن (yad gereftan) راه گرفتن (rah gereftan) جا گرفتن (ja gereftan) پا گرفتن (pa gereftan) کار گرفتن (kar gereftan) جان گرفتن (jan gereftan) وام گرفتن (vam gereftan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'qowl' like 'ghool' (which means giant/ghoul).
Putting too much stress on 'qowl' instead of the verb ending.
Mixing up 'gereftan' with 'gozashtan'.
Failing to pronounce the 'q' (ق) correctly.
Pronouncing the 'f' in gereftan too softly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once 'qowl' and 'gereftan' are known.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of prepositions and subjunctive mood in clauses.

Speaking 4/5

Natural delivery requires understanding the 'az' preposition flow.

Listening 3/5

Commonly heard, but 'qowl' can sound like other words if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

قول گرفتن از که دادن

Learn Next

تعهد وعده قرار گذاشتن بدقول خوش‌قول

Advanced

میثاق بیعت منوط کردن شرط و شروط

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs

Compound verbs like 'qowl gereftan' conjugate only the light verb (gereftan).

Subjunctive Mood

Verbs following 'ke' after 'qowl gereftan' are usually subjunctive (e.g., بیاید).

Preposition 'Az'

The source of the promise is always preceded by 'az'.

Negative Imperative

Formed by adding 'na' to the stem: 'qowl nagir'.

Object Placement

The noun 'qowl' can take an ezafe for adjectives: 'qowl-e mahkam'.

Examples by Level

من قول گرفتم.

I took a promise.

Simple past tense.

از او قول بگیر.

Get a promise from him.

Imperative mood.

مادر قول گرفت.

Mother took a promise.

Subject + Verb.

آیا قول گرفتی؟

Did you get a promise?

Interrogative past tense.

ما قول گرفتیم.

We took a promise.

First person plural.

از من قول نگیر.

Don't get a promise from me.

Negative imperative.

او از برادرش قول گرفت.

He got a promise from his brother.

Use of 'az' (from).

آن‌ها قول می‌گیرند.

They are getting a promise.

Present tense.

من از دوستم قول گرفتم که بیاید.

I got a promise from my friend to come.

Simple 'ke' clause.

باید از او قول بگیری.

You must get a promise from him.

Modal 'bayad' + subjunctive.

او همیشه از من قول می‌گیرد.

He always gets a promise from me.

Present habitual.

دیروز از مدیر قول گرفتم.

Yesterday I got a promise from the manager.

Time adverb 'diruz'.

می‌خواهم از تو قول بگیرم.

I want to get a promise from you.

Want + Subjunctive.

از بچه‌ها قول گرفتیم که ساکت باشند.

We got a promise from the kids to be quiet.

Plural subject and object.

او نتوانست از پدرش قول بگیرد.

He couldn't get a promise from his father.

Negative potential.

قبل از خرید، از فروشنده قول بگیر.

Before buying, get a promise from the seller.

Prepositional phrase 'ghabl az'.

ازش قول گرفتم که فردا حتماً کتابم را بیاورد.

I got a promise from him to definitely bring my book tomorrow.

Subjunctive mood in 'ke' clause.

اگر از او قول بگیری، او حتماً انجام می‌دهد.

If you get a promise from him, he will definitely do it.

First conditional.

تا از تو قول نگیرم، از اینجا نمی‌روم.

I won't leave here until I get a promise from you.

Negative subjunctive with 'ta'.

او از همه قول گرفته بود که رازش را فاش نکنند.

He had taken a promise from everyone not to reveal his secret.

Past perfect tense.

می‌توانید از او قول بگیرید که قیمت را بالا نبرد؟

Can you get a promise from him not to raise the price?

Polite request with 'mitavanid'.

من قول گرفته‌ام که پروژه تا هفته آینده تمام شود.

I have taken a promise that the project will be finished by next week.

Present perfect + passive subjunctive.

چرا از او قول نگرفتی که مراقب باشد؟

Why didn't you get a promise from him to be careful?

Interrogative negative past.

او با مهربانی از من قول گرفت که به دیدنش بروم.

He kindly got a promise from me to go see him.

Adverbial usage 'ba mehrabani'.

باید از آن‌ها قولِ سفت و سختی بگیریم که به تعهداتشان عمل کنند.

We must get a firm promise from them to fulfill their obligations.

Adjective 'seft o sakht' for emphasis.

او با اصرار از من قول گرفت که در مراسم شرکت کنم.

He insistently got a promise from me to attend the ceremony.

Noun as adverb 'ba esrar'.

اگر قبلاً از او قول گرفته بودی، الآن این مشکل پیش نمی‌آمد.

If you had gotten a promise from him before, this problem wouldn't have arisen now.

Second conditional (unreal past).

او از تمامِ کاندیداها قول گرفت که به قوانین احترام بگذارند.

He got a promise from all the candidates to respect the laws.

Collective noun 'tamam-e kandidaha'.

گرفتنِ قول از کسی که بدقول است، کارِ دشواری است.

Getting a promise from someone who is unreliable is a difficult task.

Gerund usage (Gereftan-e qowl).

او قولِ مردانه گرفت که هیچ‌وقت پشتِ رفیقش را خالی نکند.

He took a man's promise never to leave his friend's back empty (never to desert him).

Idiomatic 'qowl-e mardane'.

آیا از او قول گرفته‌ای که خسارت را جبران کند؟

Have you gotten a promise from him to compensate for the damage?

Present perfect with complex object.

من از خودم قول گرفتم که دیگر وقتم را تلف نکنم.

I got a promise from myself (vowed to myself) not to waste my time anymore.

Reflexive usage 'az khodam'.

او با ذکاوتِ تمام از رقیبش قول گرفت که در بازارِ جدید دخالت نکند.

With complete cleverness, he got a promise from his rival not to interfere in the new market.

Advanced vocabulary 'zakavat' and 'dakhalat'.

پیش از امضای قرارداد، باید از طرفِ مقابل قولِ شفاهی بگیریم.

Before signing the contract, we must get a verbal promise from the opposing party.

Professional terminology 'ghardad', 'taraf-e moghabel'.

او در حالی که اشک می‌ریخت، از پسرش قول گرفت که راهِ پدر را ادامه دهد.

While shedding tears, she got a promise from her son to continue his father's path.

Participle phrase 'dar hali ke'.

گرفتنِ چنین قولی در این شرایطِ بحرانی، موفقیتی بزرگ محسوب می‌شود.

Getting such a promise in these crisis conditions is considered a great success.

Complex subject phrase and passive 'mohsoub mishavad'.

او از سرِ احتیاط از وکیلش قول گرفت که تمامِ جوانبِ قانونی را بررسی کند.

Out of caution, he got a promise from his lawyer to examine all legal aspects.

Prepositional phrase 'az sar-e ehtiyat'.

نمی‌توان به سادگی از کسی که به هیچ اصولی پایبند نیست، قول گرفت.

One cannot easily get a promise from someone who is not bound by any principles.

Impersonal 'nemitavan' with relative clause.

او از همسرش قول گرفت که در تصمیم‌گیری‌های مهم با او مشورت کند.

He got a promise from his spouse to consult with him on important decisions.

Compound verb 'mashverat kardan'.

او با زیرکی از آن‌ها قول گرفت که در صورتِ بروزِ مشکل، حمایتش کنند.

With cunning, he got a promise from them to support him in case a problem arises.

Conditional phrase 'dar sourat-e borouz-e moshkel'.

در متونِ کهن، قهرمانان همواره از دشمنانِ مغلوبِ خود قول می‌گرفتند که دیگر به سرزمینشان تعرض نکنند.

In ancient texts, heroes always took promises from their defeated enemies not to encroach upon their land again.

Literary register and historical context.

او با استادیِ تمام، از هیئتِ مدیره قول گرفت که بودجه‌ی تحقیق و توسعه را افزایش دهند.

With complete mastery, he secured a pledge from the board of directors to increase the R&D budget.

Formal organizational vocabulary.

گرفتنِ قولِ اخلاقی در غیابِ ضمانت‌های اجرایی، ریسکی است که او پذیرفت.

Taking a moral promise in the absence of executive guarantees is a risk that he accepted.

Abstract nouns and philosophical structure.

او پیش از مرگ، از شاگردانش قول گرفت که چراغِ دانش را روشن نگاه دارند.

Before death, he took a promise from his students to keep the lamp of knowledge lit.

Metaphorical language 'cheragh-e danesh'.

دیپلمات‌ها در تلاش بودند تا از طرفینِ درگیر قول بگیرند که آتش‌بس را رعایت کنند.

Diplomats were striving to get a promise from the conflicting parties to observe the ceasefire.

Political/Diplomatic register.

او از تاریخ قول گرفته بود که نامش را به نیکی یاد کند، اما تقدیر بازیِ دیگری داشت.

He had taken a promise from history to remember his name kindly, but destiny had another game.

Personification and poetic irony.

در این مذاکراتِ پیچیده، گرفتنِ کوچک‌ترین قولی می‌تواند به معنایِ گشایشی بزرگ باشد.

In these complex negotiations, getting even the smallest promise can mean a major breakthrough.

Superlative and abstract result clause.

او از وجدانِ خود قول گرفت که هرگز حقیقت را فدایِ مصلحت نکند.

He took a promise from his conscience never to sacrifice truth for expediency.

Moral/Ethical terminology.

Common Collocations

قولِ مردانه گرفتن

قولِ سفت و سخت گرفتن

قولِ شفاهی گرفتن

قولِ قطعی گرفتن

قولِ کتبی گرفتن

قولِ صد در صد گرفتن

با اصرار قول گرفتن

به زور قول گرفتن

پیش‌پیش قول گرفتن

مجدداً قول گرفتن

Common Phrases

از کسی قول گرفتن

— The standard way to say 'to get a promise from someone'.

از برادرم قول گرفتم.

قول گرفتن که...

— To get a promise that [something will happen].

قول گرفتم که بیاید.

بهم قول بده

— Give me a promise (often used when you want to take one).

بهم قول بده که می‌مانی.

قولت رو گرفتم

— I've got your promise (meaning 'I'm holding you to it').

خیلی خب، قولت رو گرفتم!

باید ازت قول بگیرم

— I must get a promise from you.

قبل از اینکه بگویم، باید ازت قول بگیرم.

سخت قول گرفتن

— To find it difficult to get a promise from someone.

از او سخت می‌شود قول گرفت.

اول قول بگیر

— Get a promise first.

اول ازش قول بگیر، بعد پول را بده.

الکی قول گرفتن

— To get a meaningless or fake promise.

فقط الکی از من قول گرفت.

قولِ دوباره گرفتن

— To get a promise again.

باید ازش قولِ دوباره بگیریم.

قول گرفتن برای...

— To get a promise for [a specific purpose/time].

برای عید از او قول گرفتیم.

Often Confused With

قول گرفتن vs قول دادن

English speakers often swap 'give' and 'take'. Remember: Dadan = Give, Gereftan = Take.

قول گرفتن vs قرار گذاشتن

Gharar is for appointments; Qowl is for promises/integrity.

قول گرفتن vs یاد گرفتن

Both use 'gereftan', but 'yad' is memory/learning, 'qowl' is a promise.

Idioms & Expressions

"قولِ مردانه گرفتن"

— To take a solemn, unbreakable promise, traditionally associated with 'manly' honor.

از من قول مردانه بگیر که کمکت کنم.

Informal/Traditional

"قولِ سنگِ پا گرفتن"

— A humorous way to describe taking a promise that is very tough or perhaps stubborn.

ازش قول سنگ پا گرفتم!

Slang/Humorous

"قول و قرار گرفتن"

— To settle all arrangements and promises with someone.

با هم قول و قرار گرفتیم.

Neutral

"قولِ الکی گرفتن"

— To secure a promise that the taker knows won't be kept.

می‌دانستم نمی‌آید، ولی قول الکی گرفتم.

Informal

"قولِ سفت گرفتن"

— To get a very firm commitment.

از مدیر قول سفت گرفتم.

Neutral

"قول گرفتن و پشت گوش انداختن"

— To take a promise but then ignore it (usually used for the giver).

قول گرفت اما پشت گوش انداخت.

Informal

"قولِ صدمن‌یک‌غاز گرفتن"

— To take a worthless, cheap promise.

این قول‌های صدمن‌یک‌غاز به درد نمی‌خورد.

Informal/Derogatory

"قول گرفتن و دم نزدن"

— To take a promise of silence/secrecy.

قول گرفت که دم نزند.

Literary

"قول از زیر زبان کشیدن"

— To trick or coax a promise out of someone.

با سیاست از زیر زبانش قول گرفتم.

Informal

"قولِ آهنین گرفتن"

— To take an 'iron' (unshakable) promise.

از او قول آهنین گرفتیم.

Literary

Easily Confused

قول گرفتن vs غول

Sounds similar to 'qowl'.

'Ghool' means giant or monster, while 'qowl' means promise. The initial sound is different ('gh' vs 'q').

او یک غول است. (He is a giant.) vs از او قول گرفتم. (I got a promise from him.)

قول گرفتن vs قفل

Similar consonant structure.

'Ghofl' means lock. You 'open' or 'close' a lock, you 'take' a promise.

قفل را باز کن. (Open the lock.)

قول گرفتن vs قائل

Shared Arabic root.

'Gha'el' means believing in something or someone who says. It's an adjective/noun, not a verb.

من به این اصل قائل هستم. (I believe in this principle.)

قول گرفتن vs قالی

Similar start.

'Ghali' means carpet. Totally different semantic field.

این قالی زیباست.

قول گرفتن vs قبول

Both start with 'q' and relate to agreement.

'Ghaboul' means acceptance. 'Ghaboul kardan' is to accept, while 'qowl gereftan' is to secure a future promise.

شرط را قبول کردم.

Sentence Patterns

من قول گرفتم.

از [Person] قول گرفتم.

از مینا قول گرفتم.

از [Person] قول گرفتم که [Subjunctive Verb].

از او قول گرفتم که بیاید.

باید از [Person] قول بگیریم.

باید از مدیر قول بگیریم.

از [Person] قولِ [Adjective] گرفتم.

از او قولِ مردانه گرفتم.

با [Adverb] از [Person] قول گرفتن.

با زیرکی از آن‌ها قول گرفت.

[Gerund] از [Person] کارِ سختی است.

قول گرفتن از او کارِ سختی است.

در [Context]، از [Person] قول گرفتن [Result].

در مذاکرات، قول گرفتن از رقیب پیروزی بود.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily Persian speech.

Common Mistakes

من به او قول گرفتم. → من از او قول گرفتم.
You take a promise *from* someone (az), not *to* someone (be).
من قول دادم که او بیاید. → من از او قول گرفتم که بیاید.
Confusing 'give' and 'take'. If he is the one coming, you 'took' his promise.
قول گرفتم که او می‌آید. → قول گرفتم که او بیاید.
The verb after 'ke' must be subjunctive (biayad), not indicative (mi-ayad).
من یک قول بستم. → من یک قول گرفتم.
The verb 'bastan' (to tie/close) is used with 'peyman', not 'qowl'.
او قولِ من را گرفت. → او از من قول گرفت.
Using the possessive 'man ra' is incorrect; use the prepositional 'az man'.

Tips

Subjunctive Alert

Whenever you use a 'ke' clause after 'qowl gereftan', make sure the verb is in the subjunctive. It’s the hallmark of a B1+ speaker.

Cutting through Ta'arof

If you aren't sure if an invitation is just polite ta'arof, try 'taking a promise'. If they hesitate, it might just be politeness!

Adjective Power

Add 'mahkam' (firm) or 'ghat'i' (definitive) before 'qowl' to show you are really serious about the commitment.

Contractions

In spoken Persian, 'az u' becomes 'azash'. Use this to sound more like a native speaker.

Compound Verb Logic

Remember that 'qowl' is the noun and 'gereftan' is the verb. Only conjugate 'gereftan'.

The Catch

Think of 'gereftan' as 'catching'. You are catching their word before it disappears!

Preposition Focus

Train your ears to hear the 'az' right after the subject; it usually leads to 'qowl' or 'vade'.

Handshakes

In Iran, 'qowl gereftan' is often accompanied by a handshake or a specific look of agreement.

Don't Give, Take!

Double-check your meaning. Are you the one promising? Use 'dadan'. Are they promising? Use 'gereftan'.

Legal Nuance

If writing a contract, use 'akhz-e ta'ahod' instead of 'qowl gereftan' for a professional tone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Qowl' as 'Goal'. When you take a promise, you are securing a 'Goal' for the future. 'Gereftan' sounds like 'Get-often'. To succeed, you must 'Get a Goal often' (Qowl Gereftan).

Visual Association

Imagine someone physically catching a glowing word ('Qowl') flying through the air. They 'take' it and put it in their pocket for safekeeping.

Word Web

Trust Accountability Future Agreement Integrity Word Seize Security

Challenge

Try to 'take a promise' from three different people today in Persian for small things, like 'قول بگیر که چای بخوری' (Get a promise to drink tea).

Word Origin

The word 'قول' (qowl) is of Arabic origin, meaning 'speech,' 'word,' or 'saying.' In Persian, it evolved specifically to mean a 'promise' or 'one's word of honor.' The verb 'گرفتن' (gereftan) is a pure Persian (Old Persian 'grab-') verb meaning 'to take' or 'to seize.'

Original meaning: To take a word/speech.

Arabic (noun) + Indo-European/Iranian (verb).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too demanding when 'taking a promise' from an elder; it can imply you don't trust them. Use a polite tone.

In English, we often say 'Can I have your word?' which is the closest cultural equivalent to 'qowl gereftan'.

Classical poetry by Hafez often mentions 'Peyman' (a synonym). Modern Iranian pop songs frequently use 'qowl' in the context of romantic loyalty. The 'Shahnameh' features many scenes of heroes taking promises from kings.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Planning

ازش قول بگیر بیاد
قول گرفتی؟
باید قول بگیریم
بدون قول گرفتن نرو

Parenting

از پسرت قول بگیر
قول گرفتم که بخوابه
باید ازشون قول بگیری
قول بگیر که راست بگه

Business

قول شفاهی گرفتم
باید قول کتبی بگیریم
از مدیر قول گرفتم
هنوز قولی نگرفته‌ایم

Secrets

اول قول بگیر
قول بگیر که نگه
از من قول نگیر
قول گرفتم که لو نده

Borrowing

قول بگیر که برگردونه
ازش قول گرفتم
باید قول بگیری سالم باشه
قول گرفتم فردا بیاره

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال از کسی قولِ مردانه گرفته‌ای؟"

"چطور می‌توان از یک آدمِ بدقول، قول گرفت؟"

"آیا برایِ تو قول گرفتن مهم‌تر است یا قراردادِ کتبی؟"

"از چه کسی در زندگی‌ات بیشتر قول می‌گیری؟"

"آخرین باری که از کسی قول گرفتی کی بود؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره‌ی زمانی بنویس که از کسی قول گرفتی و او به قولش عمل نکرد.

چرا در فرهنگِ ایرانی، قول گرفتن اهمیتِ زیادی دارد؟

اگر بخواهی از خودت برایِ سالِ جدید قول بگیری، آن قول چیست؟

تفاوتِ بینِ قول گرفتن و تعهد گرفتن در محیطِ کار را شرح بده.

داستانی کوتاه بنویس که در آن قول گرفتن باعثِ نجاتِ یک نفر می‌شود.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and in most business settings. For extremely formal legal contexts, 'ta'ahod gereftan' is preferred.

Yes, you can say 'az khodam qowl gereftam' (I promised myself) to describe a personal resolution.

'Qowl' is more personal and common. 'Va'de' often implies a more formal or time-specific promise, like a political promise or a doctor's appointment.

You say 'قول نگرفتم' (qowl nagereftam).

Yes, if you mention the person you are getting the promise from, you must use 'az'.

Absolutely. It's very common to say 'azat qowl migiram ke be kasi nagi' (I'm taking a promise from you not to tell anyone).

Yes, 'قول گرفته شد', but it's rarely used in speech. It's more for formal reports.

It's an idiom for a 'man's word' or a very serious, solemn promise that should never be broken.

Yes, 'vade gereftan' is also correct and slightly more formal.

Because a promise is about a future action that hasn't happened yet, which Persian grammar expresses using the subjunctive mood.