Meaning
A polite way to ask for permission to do something or to offer assistance.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of Ta'arof. If you offer to help using this phrase, expect the other person to say 'No' at least once. You must insist to show you are sincere. In modern Tehran, the phrase is often shortened to 'Ejāze bedin' in speech, but the formal 'bedahid' is still preferred in writing or very formal speeches. Students in Iran are taught from a young age to use 'Ejāze' before asking a question. It is considered a sign of a 'well-bred' (bā-adab) child. In Iranian business culture, hierarchy is very important. Using this phrase with a manager or a client is not just polite; it's expected for a successful relationship.
The 'Subjunctive' Rule
Always remember that the verb following this phrase loses its 'mi-' prefix. It's 'beravam', not 'miravam'.
The Rule of Three
In Ta'arof, you might need to say 'Ejāze bedahid' three times before someone actually lets you help them!
Meaning
A polite way to ask for permission to do something or to offer assistance.
The 'Subjunctive' Rule
Always remember that the verb following this phrase loses its 'mi-' prefix. It's 'beravam', not 'miravam'.
The Rule of Three
In Ta'arof, you might need to say 'Ejāze bedahid' three times before someone actually lets you help them!
Don't be too formal with kids
Using 'bedahid' with a child sounds like you are a character in a historical drama. Use 'bede' instead.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head or a hand on the chest while saying this makes it 100% more authentic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'to go' (raftan) in the subjunctive.
اجازه بدهید من به خانه _______.
After 'Ejāze bedahid,' the verb must be in the first-person singular subjunctive.
Which phrase is most appropriate when offering to help your boss with his bags?
Boss: این کیفها خیلی سنگین هستند. (These bags are very heavy.)
'Ejāze bedahid' is the formal version required for a boss.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and want to use their phone.
With a friend, the singular 'Ejāze bede' is polite but not overly stiff.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite option.
A: خسته نباشید. B: سلامت باشید. _________ من این صندلی را بیاورم؟
In a formal exchange (indicated by 'Khaste nabashid'), 'Ejāze bedahid' is the best fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاجازه بدهید من به خانه _______.
After 'Ejāze bedahid,' the verb must be in the first-person singular subjunctive.
Boss: این کیفها خیلی سنگین هستند. (These bags are very heavy.)
'Ejāze bedahid' is the formal version required for a boss.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and want to use their phone.
With a friend, the singular 'Ejāze bede' is polite but not overly stiff.
A: خسته نباشید. B: سلامت باشید. _________ من این صندلی را بیاورم؟
In a formal exchange (indicated by 'Khaste nabashid'), 'Ejāze bedahid' is the best fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but only in very specific contexts like a student in a classroom. In most social situations, it's too short and sounds slightly childish.
'Ejāze bedahid' specifically asks for permission, while 'Begozārid' is more like 'Let' or 'Allow' in a general sense. They are often interchangeable, but 'Ejāze' is more polite.
Yes, it shows great respect (Eterām). Many Iranians use formal language with their parents to show they are well-raised.
Just change the second verb to the plural: 'Ejāze bedahid beravim' (Allow us to go).
Yes, but they might prefer 'Ejāza beten' or 'Ejāza dehed.' The concept is identical.
People will still understand you, but you'll sound like a beginner. It's one of the most common mistakes for learners.
Absolutely. It's a perfect way to start a request in a formal email.
Sometimes. If you are trying to get through a crowd, 'Ejāze bedahid' (Allow me [to pass]) works well.
The slangiest version is 'Bezar' (بذار). Use it with caution!
This is the 'honorific plural.' It's like the French 'vous' or the old English 'thou' vs 'you.' It shows respect.
Related Phrases
خواهش میکنم
similarI beg of you / Please
بفرمایید
contrastGo ahead / Please (do it)
با اجازه
builds onWith permission
رخصت
specialized formLeave / Permission
مرحمت بفرمایید
similarKindly do/give
