لطفا و متشکرم
lotfan va moteshakkeram
The phrase "please and thank you" in Persian is لطفا و متشکرم (lotfan va moteshakkeram).
This phrase is a polite combination of words used when making a request and expressing gratitude.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of 'lotfan' (please) and 'va' (and) with 'moteshakkeram' (I am thankful).
Which one should you use?
While متشکرم is formal, ممنون is a more common, slightly less formal way to say 'thank you' in spoken Persian. Therefore, لطفا و ممنون acts as a way to say "please and thanks".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The combination لطفا و متشکرم is quite formal and is more common in written instructions or very polite, structured speech than in casual daily conversation. For common ways to express gratitude, you might use the formal Mamnoon or the common informal Mersi. If you need to say "excuse me" or "please forgive me" in a casual setting, you can use Bebakhsh.
How do you pronounce it?
lotfan va moteshakkeram
Did you know?
- In Persian culture, gratitude is often expressed through Taarof, a complex system of ritual politeness where a person may repeatedly refuse an offer before accepting it.
- When saying 'thank you' in a formal context, a Persian speaker might place their hand over their heart as a gesture of sincerity.
- The word for 'please', لطفا, is actually a direct loan from Arabic, where it functions as an adverb meaning 'with kindness'.
Example conversation
Ali is asking Zahra for some help with a task.
- علی Aliزهرا، لطفا و متشکرم، به من کمک کن.Zahra, lotfan va moteshakkeram, be man komak kon.Zahra, please and thank you, help me.
- زهرا Zahraالبته علی، چه کمکی میخواهی؟Albateh Ali, che komaki mikhahi?Of course Ali, what help do you need?
- علی Aliاین جعبه را جابجا کن.In ja'be ra jabaja kon.Move this box.
- زهرا Zahraباشه، الان انجامش میدهم.Bashe, alan anjames midaham.Okay, I will do it now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries لطفا, متشکرم, و, CC BY-SA 4.0.
