B1 Expression رسمی

هل لي أن أسأل؟

hal li an as'al?

May I ask?

معنی

A polite and formal way to request permission to ask a question.

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زمینه فرهنگی

The concept of 'Adab' (etiquette) is paramount. Using formal phrases like this shows that the speaker is 'Mu'addab' (well-mannered). While Egyptians love their dialect, they have a deep respect for Fusha in formal settings. Using this in an Egyptian university will earn you a lot of respect. In Lebanon or Syria, politeness is often very flowery. This phrase might be preceded by 'Law samaht' (If you please). Gulf cultures place a high value on hospitality and respect for hierarchy. This phrase is very common in official Majlis (gatherings).

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The 'Tafaddal' Cue

After you say this, wait for the other person to say 'Tafaddal' (Go ahead) before you actually ask your question.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every single question in a conversation, you will sound like a 19th-century diplomat. Mix it with 'Indi su'al' or 'Mumkin?'.

معنی

A polite and formal way to request permission to ask a question.

🎯

The 'Tafaddal' Cue

After you say this, wait for the other person to say 'Tafaddal' (Go ahead) before you actually ask your question.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every single question in a conversation, you will sound like a 19th-century diplomat. Mix it with 'Indi su'al' or 'Mumkin?'.

💬

Eye Contact

In many Arab cultures, lowering your gaze slightly while saying this formal phrase adds an extra layer of respect.

خودت رو بسنج

Fill in the missing word to complete the formal request.

هل ___ أن أسأل؟

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: لي

The prepositional phrase 'لي' (for me) is the standard way to express 'May I' in this formal context.

Which of the following is the most formal way to ask a question?

Choose the most formal option:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: هل لي أن أسأل؟

This phrase uses Modern Standard Arabic grammar and a polite permissive structure, making it the most formal.

Complete the dialogue between a student and a professor.

الطالب: عفواً يا أستاذ، ________؟ الأستاذ: طبعاً، تفضل.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: هل لي أن أسأل؟

In a formal academic setting, 'هل لي أن أسأل؟' is the most appropriate way to request permission to speak.

Match the phrase to the correct situation.

Situation: You are in a job interview and want to ask about the salary.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: هل لي أن أسأل عن الراتب؟

Using the formal request 'هل لي أن أسأل' makes the sensitive topic of salary sound more professional.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

بانک تمرین

4 تمرین‌ها
Fill in the missing word to complete the formal request. جای خالی B1

هل ___ أن أسأل؟

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: لي

The prepositional phrase 'لي' (for me) is the standard way to express 'May I' in this formal context.

Which of the following is the most formal way to ask a question? Choose B1

Choose the most formal option:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: هل لي أن أسأل؟

This phrase uses Modern Standard Arabic grammar and a polite permissive structure, making it the most formal.

Complete the dialogue between a student and a professor. dialogue_completion B1

الطالب: عفواً يا أستاذ، ________؟ الأستاذ: طبعاً، تفضل.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: هل لي أن أسأل؟

In a formal academic setting, 'هل لي أن أسأل؟' is the most appropriate way to request permission to speak.

Match the phrase to the correct situation. situation_matching B1

Situation: You are in a job interview and want to ask about the salary.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: هل لي أن أسأل عن الراتب؟

Using the formal request 'هل لي أن أسأل' makes the sensitive topic of salary sound more professional.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

It is understood everywhere, but it is purely Modern Standard Arabic. In dialects, people say 'Mumkin as'al?'.

Yes! Adding 'ka' (you) makes it 'May I ask you?'. It is very common and slightly more direct.

'As'al' is general (to ask), while 'astafsir' is specifically 'to inquire' or 'seek clarification'.

Yes, it is perfect for a boss or supervisor, especially in a formal meeting.

Because the root is S-'-L. The hamza is a radical letter of the verb.

Yes, it's a great way to introduce a question in a formal email.

Change 'li' to 'lana' and 'as'al' to 'nas'al': 'هل لنا أن نسأل؟'.

Not at all. It sounds educated and polite, like 'May I' in English.

It's better to use 'هل لي أن أطلب معروفاً؟' (May I ask a favor?).

Like the English word 'an', but with a very crisp 'n' sound.

عبارات مرتبط

🔗

أسمح لي

similar

Allow me

🔗

تفضل

contrast

Go ahead / Please

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ممكن سؤال؟

synonym

Is a question possible?

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أود الاستفسار

specialized form

I would like to inquire

مفید بود؟
هنوز نظری وجود ندارد. اولین نفری باشید که افکار خود را به اشتراک می‌گذارد!