دعا

What it means

دعا (do’â) means prayer, supplication, or a wish made to God on someone’s behalf. The word comes from Arabic دُعَاء (du’â’), a verbal noun from the root د-ع-و (d-‘-w) meaning “to call” or “to invoke.” In Persian usage دعا covers both formal religious prayer and the informal act of wishing someone well in a heartfelt way. The compound دعا کردن (do’â kardan) means to pray or to make a wish for someone, and you will often hear phrases like برات دعا می‌کنم (barât do’â mikonam), meaning “I will pray for you,” used between family members and friends at moments of parting, before travel, or during illness. دعا کن (do’â kon), the imperative, is a warm request: “pray for me” or “send good wishes my way.”

How to use it

• برات دعا می‌کنم (barât do’â mikonam) “I’ll pray for you.”
• دعا کن امتحانم خوب پیش بره (do’â kon emtehânam khub pish bere) “Pray that my exam goes well.”
• مادرم همیشه دعا می‌خونه (mâdaram hamishe do’â mikhune) “My mother always recites prayers.”
• دعاهام همیشه پیشته (do’âhâm hamishe pishat-e) “My prayers are always with you.”

Cultural note

دعا is more than a religious term in Iranian culture; it is woven into everyday expressions of love and care. Iranian parents frequently say دعات می‌کنم (do’ât mikonam) to their children when they leave the house, meaning “I am praying for you” as a send-off of protection and goodwill. Some households keep small printed دعا cards with Quranic verses tucked into wallets or hung near front doors for blessing and protection. Even among less observant Iranians, the phrase carries warmth rather than strictly religious weight.

References

• Dehkhoda
• Vajehyab