Signification
A formal way to say sorry.
Contexte culturel
Apologizing is a central part of 'Ta'arof'. Even if you aren't at fault, saying 'Ozr mikhāham' shows you are a person of high character and 'Adab' (manners). In the fast-paced capital, 'Ozr mikhām' (the short version) is used constantly to navigate the heavy traffic and crowded sidewalks. In formal emails, the phrase is often expanded to 'پوزش میطلبم' (puzesh mitalabam) to show even more respect to a client or superior. Guests often use 'Ozr mikhāham' when they feel they are 'bothering' the host, even though the host is happy to have them. It's a way of acknowledging the host's effort.
The 'Hand on Heart' Move
When saying 'Ozr mikhāham', placing your right hand over your heart and nodding slightly makes you look like a master of Persian etiquette.
Don't over-conjugate
In 99% of cases, you will use the 'I' form (mikhāham). You rarely need to say 'We apologize' unless representing a company.
Signification
A formal way to say sorry.
The 'Hand on Heart' Move
When saying 'Ozr mikhāham', placing your right hand over your heart and nodding slightly makes you look like a master of Persian etiquette.
Don't over-conjugate
In 99% of cases, you will use the 'I' form (mikhāham). You rarely need to say 'We apologize' unless representing a company.
The Ta'arof Loop
If someone says 'Ozr mikhāham' to you, always respond with 'Khāhesh mikonam' (I request/Please) or 'In che harfiye' (What kind of talk is this/Don't mention it).
Email Etiquette
Start formal emails with this phrase if you are asking for a favor or replying late. It sets a respectful tone immediately.
Teste-toi
Complete the formal apology for being late.
بابت تاخیر ______ میخواهم.
The standard phrase is 'Ozr mikhāham'.
Which phrase is best for asking a stranger for the time?
Asking a stranger for the time in a polite way.
Ozr mikhāham is the best way to start a question with a stranger.
Complete the dialogue in a formal office setting.
Person A: عذر میخواهم، آقای احمدی تشریف دارند؟ Person B: بله، ______.
Person A asks 'Excuse me, is Mr. Ahmadi here?' Person B should say 'Yes, please come in' (Befarmāyid dākhel).
Choose the correct preposition to use with 'Ozr khāstan'.
من ___ شما عذر میخواهم.
In Persian, you request an excuse 'from' (az) someone.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ozr vs Moteassefam
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesبابت تاخیر ______ میخواهم.
The standard phrase is 'Ozr mikhāham'.
Asking a stranger for the time in a polite way.
Ozr mikhāham is the best way to start a question with a stranger.
Person A: عذر میخواهم، آقای احمدی تشریف دارند؟ Person B: بله، ______.
Person A asks 'Excuse me, is Mr. Ahmadi here?' Person B should say 'Yes, please come in' (Befarmāyid dākhel).
من ___ شما عذر میخواهم.
In Persian, you request an excuse 'from' (az) someone.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'Ozr mikhāham' is more formal and professional. 'Bebakhshid' is more common and can be used in almost any situation, but 'Ozr' shows more respect.
No! Use 'Moteassefam' (I am sorry/sad) for that. 'Ozr mikhāham' implies you are asking for an excuse for something you did.
Shorten it to 'Ozr mikhām'. Locals almost never pronounce the full 'mikhāham' in casual conversation.
The most common response is 'Khāhesh mikonam' (خواهش میکنم), which means 'You're welcome' or 'Please, don't worry about it'.
Yes, it's very common in formal or semi-formal texts. In informal texts, people often write 'ozr' or 'sharmandeh'.
It's like the 'ch' in 'Loch Ness'. If you can't do it, a 'k' sound is understood but sounds like a foreign accent.
Literally, yes. But functionally, it just means 'I apologize'.
Absolutely. It's the most polite way to do so. Just say 'Ozr mikhāham, āghā' (Excuse me, sir).
Yes, it is perfectly gender-neutral and very respectful.
Add 'Vāghe'an' (Really) at the beginning: 'Vāghe'an ozr mikhāham'.
Expressions liées
ببخشید
similarExcuse me / Forgive me
خواهش میکنم
builds onYou're welcome / Please
شرمنده
synonymAshamed / Sorry
متاسفم
contrastI am sorry / I am sad
پوزش میخواهم
specialized formI apologize (very formal)
