مخلص

What it means

مخلص (mokhles) is an Arabic-origin word meaning sincere, devoted, or freed from impurity. It is derived from Arabic مُخْلِص (mokhles), an active participle of the root KH-L-S, which carries meanings of purity, sincerity, and liberation from fault. In Persian it acquired a strongly honorific register: مخلصم (mokhlesam) is a set phrase meaning I am your humble servant, or more loosely I am devoted to you. In the letter-writing tradition of classical Persian, مخلص شما (mokhles-e shomâ, devoted to you) appeared as a formal sign-off between equals or from a subordinate to a superior. In colloquial speech today, مخلصم is still used as an informal farewell, especially by older speakers or in humorous imitation of old-fashioned politeness.

How to use it

• خب، مخلصم، خدافظ. (khob, mokhlesam, khodâfez.) “Well, I’m your servant, goodbye.”
• مخلص شمام، هر وقت کاری داشتین بگین. (mokhles-e shomâm, har vaght kâri dâshtin begin.) “I am devoted to you, whenever you need something, just say so.”
• با اجازه، مخلصم. (bâ ejâze, mokhlesam.) “With your permission, I take my leave.”
• اون همیشه مخلص و صادق بود. (un hamishe mokhles o sâdegh bud.) “He was always sincere and loyal.”

Cultural note

مخلصم belongs to the rich Persian tradition of ta’ârof (تعارف), the elaborate system of social courtesy and ritual politeness. Classic ta’ârof phrases often place the speaker in a position of humility or service before the other person, and مخلصم is one of the most recognizable examples. Hearing an older Iranian man say مخلصم as he departs a room is entirely normal and carries no servile meaning in practice; it is a warm, formulaic politeness. Younger Iranians sometimes use it ironically or affectionately when imitating the speech of an older generation.

References

• Dehkhoda
• Vajehyab