میخوای
mikhay
The English phrase "do you want" can be translated into Persian as میخوای (mikhay).
This phrase is used to ask if someone desires something or wishes to do something. It is derived from the verb خواستن, which means "to want".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form میخوای is the colloquial, spoken version used with friends and family. For formal situations, you should use آیا میخواهید؟.
How does it change in a sentence?
To be polite or to address a group, use the plural/polite form میخواهید. When "do you want" is followed by a clause, such as in "Do you want that we go?", you must add که after the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
mikhay
Did you know?
- When asking 'do you want' in a social setting, a Persian speaker might use تعارف to repeatedly offer something that the other person has already declined, expecting them to refuse several times first.
- While میخوای is the standard for 'do you want', Persians often use the word میل دارید in highly formal settings. This replaces the verb 'to want' with 'to have a desire' or 'to have a taste'.
- To express 'I want' or 'do you want' in a way that sounds more humble, speakers may avoid the direct verb for wanting and instead use a phrase that translates to 'it is my wish'.
Examples in context
- آیا میخواهید چایی؟Do you want tea?
- میخوای شام بیای؟Do you want to come for dinner?
Example conversation
Zahra and Mohammad are deciding what to drink.
- زهرا Zahraمحمد، میخوای چای بخوری؟Mohammad, mikhay chay bokhori?Mohammad, do you want to drink tea?
- محمد Mohammadنه، ممنون. آب میخوام.Na, mamnun. ab mikham.No, thanks. I want water.
- زهرا Zahraمیخوای برای خودت بریزی؟mikhay baraye khodat berizi?Do you want to pour it yourself?
- محمد Mohammadبله، ممنونم زهرا.Bale, mamnunam Zahra.Yes, thank you Zahra.
