معنی
A polite way to decline a request or express inability.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase is a key component of 'Ta'arof'. Even if you don't want to do something, you must act as if you are sad about it to show respect to the other person. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, this phrase is often used quickly in traffic or busy shops, but the 'mota'assefane' is rarely skipped because it prevents social friction. In Iranian business, saying 'No' directly can end a partnership. 'Nah, mota'assefane' is used to stall or to begin a negotiation for better terms. When visiting an Iranian home, you will use this phrase many times to decline food, tea, or fruit. It is expected that you decline at least once or twice before accepting.
The Hand Gesture
When saying this, slightly tilt your head and place your right hand on your chest. It makes the 'unfortunately' feel 10x more sincere.
Don't just say 'Na'
To an Iranian ear, a lone 'Na' sounds like you are angry or dismissive. Always add the softener.
معنی
A polite way to decline a request or express inability.
The Hand Gesture
When saying this, slightly tilt your head and place your right hand on your chest. It makes the 'unfortunately' feel 10x more sincere.
Don't just say 'Na'
To an Iranian ear, a lone 'Na' sounds like you are angry or dismissive. Always add the softener.
Ta'arof Loop
If you say 'Nah, mota'assefane' to an invitation, expect the person to ask again. This is normal. Just repeat the phrase politely.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence to politely decline the offer.
دوست داری با ما به سینما بیایی؟ ---، متأسفانه باید کار کنم.
The context of 'mota'assefane' (unfortunately) and 'bayad kar konam' (I have to work) requires a negative response.
Choose the most polite response for the waiter.
مشتری: آیا میز خالی دارید؟ گارسون: ---، همه میزها رزرو شدهاند.
In a service context, 'Nah, mota'assefane' is the standard polite way to deliver bad news.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase fits a formal business rejection?
'Kheyr' is the formal version of 'Nah', making it suitable for business.
Which word is the adverb meaning 'unfortunately'?
کدام کلمه به معنی 'unfortunately' است؟
'Mota'assefane' is the adverb for unfortunately, while 'Khoshbakhtane' means fortunately.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
When to use 'Nah, mota'assefane'
Social
- • Declining party
- • Refusing food
- • Saying no to coffee
Professional
- • Missing deadline
- • Out of stock
- • Unable to meet
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهادوست داری با ما به سینما بیایی؟ ---، متأسفانه باید کار کنم.
The context of 'mota'assefane' (unfortunately) and 'bayad kar konam' (I have to work) requires a negative response.
مشتری: آیا میز خالی دارید؟ گارسون: ---، همه میزها رزرو شدهاند.
In a service context, 'Nah, mota'assefane' is the standard polite way to deliver bad news.
Which phrase fits a formal business rejection?
'Kheyr' is the formal version of 'Nah', making it suitable for business.
کدام کلمه به معنی 'unfortunately' است؟
'Mota'assefane' is the adverb for unfortunately, while 'Khoshbakhtane' means fortunately.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
6 سوالIn spoken Persian, 'Nah' is more common and sounds slightly softer. 'Na' is the standard written form.
Yes, but it's better to use the formal version: 'Kheyr, mota'assefane'.
'Mota'assefane' is an adverb (unfortunately), while 'mota'assefam' is a verb phrase (I am sorry).
Absolutely. It's very common in professional and semi-formal texts.
Only if your tone is very flat or if you use it for something obviously good.
There is a slight pause or 'catch' in the throat (glottal stop) between the two 'a' sounds.
عبارات مرتبط
خوشبختانه
contrastFortunately
ببخشید
similarExcuse me / I'm sorry
شرمنده
similarI'm ashamed / I'm embarrassed
امکان ندارد
specialized formIt's impossible
