Bedeutung
A polite refusal or negative answer, often with an expression of regret.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means that even when you say 'No, I'm sorry', the other person might ask you two or three more times. You should continue to use this phrase or its variations to remain polite. In the capital's business world, 'Kheyr, mota'assefam' is often followed by a very brief, logical reason. Being too emotional in your apology can sometimes be seen as unprofessional. While 'Mota'assefam' is understood, Dari speakers might more frequently use 'Bubakhshen' (Excuse me/Forgive me) or 'Ma'zerat mekhwayum' (I apologize) in similar contexts. Second-generation Iranians often use a mix, but 'خیر، متاسفم' remains the 'gold standard' for showing their parents' generation that they still respect traditional manners.
The 'Soft' No
In Iran, always follow 'خیر، متاسفم' with a small reason. A 'no' without a reason can feel like a personal rejection.
Don't over-apologize
While 'Mota'assefam' is good, saying it 10 times in a row can make you look weak in a business negotiation. Once or twice is enough.
Bedeutung
A polite refusal or negative answer, often with an expression of regret.
The 'Soft' No
In Iran, always follow 'خیر، متاسفم' with a small reason. A 'no' without a reason can feel like a personal rejection.
Don't over-apologize
While 'Mota'assefam' is good, saying it 10 times in a row can make you look weak in a business negotiation. Once or twice is enough.
The Ta'arof Loop
If someone insists after you say this, you can upgrade to 'واقعاً معذورم' (I am truly excused/unable).
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head and placing your right hand over your heart while saying this adds 100% more sincerity in Persian culture.
Teste dich selbst
Which phrase is most appropriate when declining a request from your boss?
رئیس: آیا میتوانید این گزارش را تا فردا تمام کنید؟
The second option uses the formal 'Kheyr' and 'Mota'assefam', which is required for a professional relationship.
Complete the sentence with the correct formal apology.
آیا شما بلیت دارید؟ خیر، _________، بلیتها تمام شده است.
'Mota'assefam' is the most standard and versatile formal apology in this context.
Match the phrase to the correct social situation.
Match 'خیر، متاسفم' with its best context:
This phrase is designed for formal, written or spoken communication.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a shopkeeper.
مشتری: آیا این پیراهن رنگ آبی دارد؟ فروشنده: _________، فقط رنگ قرمز و سبز داریم.
A shopkeeper should use formal language ('Kheyr, mota'assefam') to be polite to a customer.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenرئیس: آیا میتوانید این گزارش را تا فردا تمام کنید؟
The second option uses the formal 'Kheyr' and 'Mota'assefam', which is required for a professional relationship.
آیا شما بلیت دارید؟ خیر، _________، بلیتها تمام شده است.
'Mota'assefam' is the most standard and versatile formal apology in this context.
Match 'خیر، متاسفم' with its best context:
This phrase is designed for formal, written or spoken communication.
مشتری: آیا این پیراهن رنگ آبی دارد؟ فروشنده: _________، فقط رنگ قرمز و سبز داریم.
A shopkeeper should use formal language ('Kheyr, mota'assefam') to be polite to a customer.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIt's a bit short. Adding 'Mota'assefam' makes it much warmer and more culturally appropriate.
No, 'Na' is perfectly fine with friends, family, and children. It's only 'rude' when there's a gap in age or status.
'Mota'assefam' is 'I am sorry' (regret), while 'Bebakhshid' is 'Forgive me' or 'Excuse me'.
Change it to 'خیر، متاسفیم' (Kheyr, mota'assefim).
Yes, it is very common in formal emails to decline a request.
Yes, it's an Arabic loanword meaning 'good', but its use as 'No' is uniquely Persian/Arabic etiquette.
In Persian culture, it's a social formula. You don't have to feel deep grief to use it; it's just polite.
Yes, 'Sharmandeh' (ashamed) is the most common informal-but-polite alternative.
It's a raspy sound from the back of the throat, like you're clearing it gently.
Absolutely. It is the perfect phrase for a student to use with a professor.
No, but 'Khob' (Well/Good) can. Don't confuse 'Kheyr' with 'Khob'!
Yes, but 'Nakhayr' is more common there than just 'Kheyr'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
متاسفانه خیر
similarUnfortunately no
شرمندهام
similarI am ashamed
اصلاً و ابداً
contrastNever and not at all
پوزش میخواهم
specialized formI beg your pardon
ببخشید، نه
similarSorry, no
