Guide: How to Say “Tell” in Farsi

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “tell” in Farsi! In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to express this keyword in the Persian language. While we won’t delve into regional variations extensively, we will touch upon any notable differences where necessary. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “Tell”

If you are looking to express the concept of “tell” in a formal manner in Farsi, you have several options. Here are some commonly used phrases:

1. Mostaghel: The straightforward way to say “tell” in a formal context is by using the word “mostaghel.” For example, if you want to say “Please tell me your name,” you can say, “Lotfan name-i-e khodat ra mostaghel begoo.”
2. Ta`rif kardan: Another formal option is to use the phrase “ta`rif kardan,” which specifically means “to state” or “to explain.” This phrase is often used in professional or academic settings. For instance, you can say, “Mitoonid yek marasem-ye ta`rif kardan darbare-ye in mavad behem bedahid?” which translates to “Can you tell me more about this topic?”
3. Goftan: While the word “goftan” primarily means “to say,” in formal contexts, it can also be used to convey the idea of “telling.” For example, if you want to ask someone to “tell” you their opinion, you can use the phrase “ray-e khodetan ra be man begooyid.”

Informal Ways to Say “Tell”

When it comes to informal conversations, the Farsi language offers a range of phrases and expressions to convey the concept of “tell.” These are some commonly used informal ways:

1. Begoo: A widely used informal term for “tell” is “begoo.” It is the imperative form of the verb “goftan” (to say). For instance, if you want to say “Tell me about your vacation,” you can simply say, “Az tamasha-ye shoma begoo!”
2. Begundi: Another informal way to ask someone to “tell” you something is by using the word “begundi.” This word primarily means “to recount” or “to narrate.” For instance, if you want someone to tell you a story, you can say, “Yek dastan be man begundi!”
3. Emkenin: While less common, “emkenin” can also be used as an informal alternative to “tell.” For example, if you want to ask someone to “tell” you a secret, you can use the phrase “ye asr-e dige be man emkenin!”

Regional Variations

While Farsi is spoken across various regions, the variations in expressing “tell” are relatively minimal. However, one notable difference is the use of the word “begoo” in northern regions. In those areas, “begoo” is often pronounced as “bigoo.” Apart from this slight variation in pronunciation, the usage remains the same.

Tips and Examples:

Tip: When asking someone to “tell” you something in Farsi, it is common to start the sentences with “Lotfan” (please) to maintain a polite and warm tone.

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you incorporate the word “tell” effectively in Farsi:

• When asking someone to “tell me more,” use the phrase “bishtar be man begoo.”
• If you want someone to “tell you the truth,” say “Hagh-e ravani ra be man begoo.”
• When expressing “tell her” or “tell him,” use the phrase “be on begoo” followed by the person’s name. For example, “Be Maryam begoo ke…”.
• When requesting someone to “tell us all,” you can say “hamisheye chizi be ma begoo.”

Remember, Farsi is a language of warmth and politeness, so always try to use these phrases within the appropriate context to maintain a friendly tone.

In Conclusion

In this guide, we have explored various formal and informal ways to say “tell” in Farsi. The formal options include “mostaghel,” “ta`rif kardan,” and using “goftan” in the appropriate context. For informal conversations, you can use “begoo,” “begundi,” or “emkenin.” While slight regional variations exist, the core usage remains consistent throughout most of the Farsi-speaking regions. By incorporating these tips and examples in your conversations, you can confidently express the concept of “tell” in Farsi with a warm and polite tone.