B1 Expression خنثی 1 دقیقه مطالعه

سر فرصت

sar forsat

At the right time, at leisure

تمرین کن

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use 'sar-e forsat' to tell someone you'll do something when you're not busy, without any pressure or immediate deadline.

  • Means: Doing something when there is ample time and zero rush.
  • Used in: Social promises, non-urgent work tasks, and polite deferrals.
  • Don't confuse: It's not 'immediately'; it implies a relaxed, future window.
☕ + ⏳ + ✅ = سر فرصت (A relaxed task completed well)

توضیح در سطح شما:

In very simple terms, 'sar-e forsat' means 'when I have time.' You use it when you cannot do something now. For example, 'I will call you sar-e forsat.' It is a friendly way to say 'later.' You don't need to change the words for different people. Just put it before your verb.
At this level, you can use 'sar-e forsat' to be more polite. Instead of just saying 'ba'dan' (later), use this phrase to show you are not in a rush. It's great for making plans with friends. It means you want to do something when you are relaxed and free from other work.
As an intermediate learner, you should use 'sar-e forsat' to navigate social situations. It's a key part of Persian politeness. It implies that a task or person is important enough to deserve your undivided attention later. It's commonly used in emails or texts to manage expectations without being rude or sounding too busy.
At the B2 level, you should recognize the nuance between 'sar-e forsat' and 'dar avalin forsat.' While the latter is more formal and implies 'as soon as possible,' 'sar-e forsat' is more about the quality of the time. Use it to defer tasks that require focus, like reading a long article or having a deep conversation about a problem.
For advanced learners, 'sar-e forsat' is a tool for sophisticated social maneuvering. It can be used to politely decline an immediate request while keeping the door open for the future. It reflects the Iranian cultural preference for indirect communication. Mastery involves knowing exactly when the 'leisure' implied is genuine and when it's a polite 'no' in a Ta'arof context.
At a near-native level, 'sar-e forsat' is understood within the broader framework of Persian temporal philosophy. It contrasts with the 'ajaleh' (haste) of modern life. The speaker uses it to assert control over their personal 'kairos'—the qualitative right moment—rather than 'chronos'—the quantitative clock time. It is a subtle assertion of status and boundaries wrapped in the guise of extreme politeness.

معنی

When there is enough time and no rush.

🌍

زمینه فرهنگی

In Iran, 'sar-e forsat' is often a part of Ta'arof. It can be a genuine promise or a polite way to delay something indefinitely. Context and tone are key. In Dari Persian, the phrase is also used but might be substituted with 'در یک وقتِ مناسب' (at a suitable time) in more formal Dari speech. Tajik speakers use 'dar fursati munosib'. The word 'forsat' is understood but the preposition 'sar' is less common than in Iran. In modern Iranian startups, 'sar-e forsat' is sometimes criticized as being 'too slow,' with younger professionals preferring 'ASAP' or 'dar avalin forsat'.

💡

The 'Ta'arof' Shield

Use 'sar-e forsat' to avoid saying 'no' directly. It keeps the relationship warm while giving you space.

⚠️

Don't use with 'Hamin alan'

Saying 'Hamin alan sar-e forsat' is a contradiction. One is 'right now,' the other is 'later.'

💡

The 'Ta'arof' Shield

Use 'sar-e forsat' to avoid saying 'no' directly. It keeps the relationship warm while giving you space.

⚠️

Don't use with 'Hamin alan'

Saying 'Hamin alan sar-e forsat' is a contradiction. One is 'right now,' the other is 'later.'

🎯

Email Etiquette

In emails, 'در اولین فرصت' (ASAP) is better for bosses, 'سر فرصت' is better for colleagues you are friendly with.

💬

The Tea Rule

If someone offers you tea and you say 'sar-e forsat,' it means 'maybe later when we are more relaxed.'

خودت رو بسنج

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to show you aren't in a rush.

الان خیلی گرسنه نیستم، ________ غذا می‌خورم.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: سر فرصت

The speaker says they aren't hungry now, so they will eat 'when they have a good chance/time.'

Which response is the most polite way to tell a colleague you'll look at their document later?

Colleague: 'Can you check this?'

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: باشه، سر فرصت نگاهش می‌کنم.

This response acknowledges the task but sets a polite boundary.

Match the phrase to the correct situation.

Situation: You want to visit a museum but you are busy today.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: باید سر فرصت بریم موزه.

Using 'sar-e forsat' implies planning a visit for a time when you are free.

Complete the dialogue using 'sar-e forsat'.

مادر: 'کی اتاقت رو تمیز می‌کنی؟' فرزند: 'مامان جان، قول می‌دم ________ تمیزش کنم.'

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: سر فرصت

The child is promising to clean the room when they have a chance.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

Speed of Action

Fast
فوری Immediate
سریع Quick
Balanced
به‌موقع On time
Relaxed
سر فرصت At leisure

بانک تمرین

5 تمرین‌ها
جواب درست رو انتخاب کن جای خالی

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to show you aren't in a rush. جای خالی A2

الان خیلی گرسنه نیستم، ________ غذا می‌خورم.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: سر فرصت

The speaker says they aren't hungry now, so they will eat 'when they have a good chance/time.'

Which response is the most polite way to tell a colleague you'll look at their document later? Choose B1

Colleague: 'Can you check this?'

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: باشه، سر فرصت نگاهش می‌کنم.

This response acknowledges the task but sets a polite boundary.

Match the phrase to the correct situation. situation_matching A2

Situation: You want to visit a museum but you are busy today.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: باید سر فرصت بریم موزه.

Using 'sar-e forsat' implies planning a visit for a time when you are free.

Complete the dialogue using 'sar-e forsat'. dialogue_completion B1

مادر: 'کی اتاقت رو تمیز می‌کنی؟' فرزند: 'مامان جان، قول می‌دم ________ تمیزش کنم.'

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: سر فرصت

The child is promising to clean the room when they have a chance.

🎉 امتیاز: /5

سوالات متداول

14 سوال

It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your family, and even your boss in a relaxed office.

Usually, no. It implies a longer wait until you are truly 'free.' For 5 minutes, use 'chand daghigh-e dige'.

'Vaght' is just time. 'Forsat' is an opportunity or a chance. 'Sar-e forsat' sounds more intentional.

Not if you are promising to do homework. But if they ask you a question in class, don't say it!

Usually written as 'sare forsat' or 'sar-e forsat'.

Close, but 'whenever' can sound indifferent. 'Sar-e forsat' sounds like you are waiting for the *right* time.

Yes, 'ba forsat' means 'leisurely,' but it's less common than 'sar-e forsat' for scheduling.

Yes, it's one of the most common words for 'opportunity' in Persian.

Yes. 'Sar-e forsat anjamash dadam' (I did it when I had time).

Then you have used 'sar-e forsat' as a polite 'no,' which is common but can be frustrating for the other person.

People might say 'har vaght shod' (whenever it happened/was possible).

No, it usually implies you are busy and want to do the task properly later.

Yes, it's perfect for saying you want to visit a place without a tight schedule.

Yes, without 'sar,' the phrase doesn't function as 'at your leisure.'

عبارات مرتبط

🔗

در اولین فرصت

similar

At the first opportunity / ASAP

🔄

وقتِ آزاد

synonym

Free time

🔗

با حوصله

builds on

With patience/care

🔗

عجله داشتن

contrast

To be in a hurry

🔗

فرصت‌طلبی

specialized form

Opportunism

کجا استفاده کنیم

💻

Postponing a work task

Colleague: می‌تونی این گزارش رو نگاه کنی؟ (Can you look at this report?)

You: الان سرم شلوغه، ولی سر فرصت حتماً می‌بینمش. (I'm busy now, but I'll definitely see it when I have time.)

formal
☕

Inviting a friend for coffee

You: خیلی وقت بود ندیدمت! بیا سر فرصت بریم قهوه بخوریم. (Haven't seen you in a long time! Let's go for coffee when we're free.)

Friend: حتماً، هفته دیگه چطوره؟ (Sure, how about next week?)

informal
🎁

Responding to a gift

Aunt: امیدوارم از این کتاب خوشت بیاد. (I hope you like this book.)

You: مرسی! سر فرصت می‌خونمش و بهتون می‌گم. (Thanks! I'll read it when I have time and tell you.)

neutral
🗣️

Dealing with a difficult conversation

Partner: باید درباره اجاره خونه حرف بزنیم. (We need to talk about the rent.)

You: الان خسته‌ام، بذار سر فرصت با هم گپ بزنیم. (I'm tired now, let's chat when we have a proper moment.)

neutral
🙏

Asking for a favor

You: می‌شه سر فرصت این متن رو برام ترجمه کنی؟ (Could you translate this text for me when you have time?)

Friend: آره حتماً، فردا برات می‌فرستم. (Yes sure, I'll send it to you tomorrow.)

neutral
✈️

Planning a trip

Friend: کی بریم شیراز؟ (When should we go to Shiraz?)

You: باید سر فرصت بشینیم و بلیط بگیریم. (We should sit down when we have time and get tickets.)

informal

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

Think of 'Sar' as the 'Start' and 'Forsat' as 'Free time'. You start when you're free.

تداعی تصویری

Imagine a person sitting in a comfortable armchair with a steaming cup of tea, slowly opening a letter. They aren't looking at a clock; they are 'at the head of their opportunity.'

Rhyme

Forsat, forsat, bi-ajaleh va ba-deghat (Opportunity, opportunity, without haste and with precision).

Story

A busy king asked a wise man for advice. The wise man said, 'I will tell you sar-e forsat.' The king waited until the war was over and the palace was quiet. Only then did the wise man speak, because wisdom requires a quiet mind.

In Other Languages

Similar to the Spanish 'con calma' or the Japanese 'ori o mite' (looking for the occasion). It shares the same spirit as the English 'at your earliest convenience' but feels warmer and less corporate.

شبکه واژگان

وقت (Time)فراغت (Leisure)عجله (Haste)صبر (Patience)آرامش (Calm)فرصت (Opportunity)مناسب (Suitable)

چالش

Try to use 'sar-e forsat' in a text message today when someone asks you for a favor that isn't urgent.

Recall this phrase whenever you feel rushed. Ask yourself: 'Can I do this sar-e forsat instead?'

تلفظ

تکیه The stress falls on the second syllable of 'forsat': for-SAT.

Short 'a' like in 'cat', rolled 'r'.

The 'o' is like 'force', the 'at' is like 'cat'.

طیف رسمیت

رسمی
گزارش جنابعالی را در اولین فرصت مقتضی مطالعه خواهم کرد.

گزارش جنابعالی را در اولین فرصت مقتضی مطالعه خواهم کرد. (Work/Professional)

خنثی
سر فرصت گزارشت را می‌خوانم.

سر فرصت گزارشت را می‌خوانم. (Work/Professional)

غیر رسمی
وقت که کردم گزارشت رو می‌خونم.

وقت که کردم گزارشت رو می‌خونم. (Work/Professional)

عامیانه
سرِ فرصت ردیفش می‌کنم.

سرِ فرصت ردیفش می‌کنم. (Work/Professional)

The word 'Sar' is Middle Persian (Pahlavi) meaning head or top. 'Forsat' is from the Arabic 'furṣah' (opportunity/chance). The combination emerged in the early Islamic period as Persian absorbed Arabic vocabulary while retaining its own prepositional logic.

Classical Persian:
Qajar Era:
Modern Persian:

نکته جالب

The word 'forsat' in Arabic originally referred to a 'turn' to take water from a well. So 'sar-e forsat' literally meant being at the head of the line for water!

نکات فرهنگی

In Iran, 'sar-e forsat' is often a part of Ta'arof. It can be a genuine promise or a polite way to delay something indefinitely. Context and tone are key.

“If someone says 'sar-e forsat' with a smile, they likely mean it. If they say it while looking away, it might be a polite 'no'.”

In Dari Persian, the phrase is also used but might be substituted with 'در یک وقتِ مناسب' (at a suitable time) in more formal Dari speech.

“سر فرصت بخیر می‌بینیم. (We will see each other at a good time, God willing.)”

Tajik speakers use 'dar fursati munosib'. The word 'forsat' is understood but the preposition 'sar' is less common than in Iran.

“Дар фурсати муносиб занг мезанам. (I will call at a suitable opportunity.)”

In modern Iranian startups, 'sar-e forsat' is sometimes criticized as being 'too slow,' with younger professionals preferring 'ASAP' or 'dar avalin forsat'.

“لطفاً این کار را در اولین فرصت انجام دهید. (Please do this at the first opportunity.)”

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

“

دوست داری سر فرصت چه هنری یاد بگیری؟

“

اگر سر فرصت به ایران بروی، کدام شهر را اول می‌بینی؟

“

چطور کارهایت را مدیریت می‌کنی که سر فرصت به همه برسد؟

“

به نظر شما در دنیای امروز، هنوز هم می‌توان کارها را سر فرصت انجام داد؟

اشتباهات رایج

✗

در فرصت (Dar forsat)

✓

سر فرصت (Sar-e forsat)

wrong preposition
While 'dar' means 'in', the idiomatic preposition for this expression is 'sar' (at/on). Using 'dar' sounds like a literal translation from English 'in the opportunity.'

L1 Interference

0 1
✗

سر وقت (Sar-e vaght)

✓

سر فرصت (Sar-e forsat)

wrong context
'Sar-e vaght' means 'on time' or 'punctual.' If you use this when you mean 'when I have time,' you might accidentally promise to be somewhere at a specific hour.

L1 Interference

0
✗

سر فرصتی (Sar-e forsati)

✓

سر فرصت (Sar-e forsat)

wrong conjugation
Adding the 'i' (indefinite marker) is grammatically possible but less common in this specific idiom. It makes it sound like 'at *an* opportunity' rather than the general 'when time permits.'

L1 Interference

0
✗

Using it for a 911 emergency

✓

همین الان / سریع (Hamin alan / Sari')

wrong register
Using 'sar-e forsat' when someone needs immediate help sounds sarcastic or incredibly rude.

L1 Interference

0

In Other Languages

Spanish Very Similar

Con calma / A su debido tiempo

Spanish often uses 'con' (with) while Persian uses 'sar' (at/on).

French moderate

À tête reposée

French focuses on the 'rested' aspect, Persian on the 'opportunity' aspect.

German Very Similar

In aller Ruhe

German emphasizes 'quietness' (Ruhe), Persian emphasizes 'opportunity' (Forsat).

Japanese Very Similar

折を見て (Ori o mite)

Japanese uses the verb 'to see' (mite), whereas Persian uses the preposition 'at' (sar).

Arabic Very Similar

على سعة (Ala sa'a)

Arabic uses 'sa'a' (spaciousness), while Persian uses 'forsat' (opportunity).

Chinese moderate

抽空 (Chōukòng)

Chinese is more active ('finding' time), Persian is more situational ('at' the time).

Korean moderate

시간 날 때 (Sigan nal ttae)

Korean is more literal about time 'appearing' or 'coming out'.

Portuguese moderate

Com tempo

Portuguese is simpler and less figurative.

Spotted in the Real World

🎬

(2011)

“بذار سر فرصت درباره‌اش حرف می‌زنیم.”

Nader says this to Simin to delay a stressful argument about their future.

🎵

(1970s)

“فرصت ندادی تا بگم...”

A song about missed opportunities in love.

📺

(2015)

“سر فرصت خدمت می‌رسم.”

A formal way of saying 'I will visit you when the time is right.'

📱

(2023)

“این پست رو سیو کن که سر فرصت ببینی.”

Common caption on educational or recipe videos.

📚

(1936)

“...در فرصت‌های تنهایی...”

Describing moments of solitude.

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

سر فرصت در مقابل سر وقت

Learners think 'vaght' (time) and 'forsat' (opportunity) are interchangeable here.

Remember: 'Sar-e vaght' = Punctual (The clock). 'Sar-e forsat' = Leisurely (The feeling).

سر فرصت در مقابل به‌موقع

Both involve 'the right time.'

'Be-moghe' means 'on time' or 'at the right moment' for a specific event. 'Sar-e forsat' is for when you have *extra* time.

سوالات متداول (14)

It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your family, and even your boss in a relaxed office.

basic understanding

Usually, no. It implies a longer wait until you are truly 'free.' For 5 minutes, use 'chand daghigh-e dige'.

usage contexts

'Vaght' is just time. 'Forsat' is an opportunity or a chance. 'Sar-e forsat' sounds more intentional.

comparisons

Not if you are promising to do homework. But if they ask you a question in class, don't say it!

practical tips

Usually written as 'sare forsat' or 'sar-e forsat'.

basic understanding

Close, but 'whenever' can sound indifferent. 'Sar-e forsat' sounds like you are waiting for the *right* time.

comparisons

Yes, 'ba forsat' means 'leisurely,' but it's less common than 'sar-e forsat' for scheduling.

grammar mechanics

Yes, it's one of the most common words for 'opportunity' in Persian.

basic understanding

Yes. 'Sar-e forsat anjamash dadam' (I did it when I had time).

grammar mechanics

Then you have used 'sar-e forsat' as a polite 'no,' which is common but can be frustrating for the other person.

cultural usage

People might say 'har vaght shod' (whenever it happened/was possible).

usage contexts

No, it usually implies you are busy and want to do the task properly later.

practical tips

Yes, it's perfect for saying you want to visit a place without a tight schedule.

usage contexts

Yes, without 'sar,' the phrase doesn't function as 'at your leisure.'

grammar mechanics

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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