Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Farsi grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about ببخشید، خانم!
Does bebakhshid literally mean "excuse me"?
It actually translates closer to "forgive!" or "pardon!". It is a polite command used exactly like "excuse me" in English when getting someone's attention or apologizing. The -id at the end makes it the formal "you" form, which is perfect for addressing a stranger respectfully.
Why is there no word for "me" in the Farsi sentence?
In Farsi, the object "me" is often just understood from the context. Because bebakhshid is a command to forgive or excuse, the "me" is built into the situation, so you do not need to add a separate word for it.
Can I use khanoom to address any woman, or only if she is married?
You can use khanoom for any adult woman! Unlike English, which sometimes divides "Mrs." and "Miss", Farsi uses khanoom as a universally polite term for "ma'am" or "lady" regardless of marital status.
What is the tricky sound shared by both of these words?
Both words feature the Farsi letter خ, usually written in English as "kh". It is pronounced with a raspy sound in the back of your throat, like the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch" or the German composer "Bach".