Signification
A polite request to reduce speed, either in speech or movement.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means that even if someone is annoyed by your slow Persian, they will likely tell you your Persian is 'excellent'. Using 'Lotfan āhestetar' shows you respect the language enough to want to hear it correctly. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'āhestetar' is a common request in taxis. It's not just about speed, but a way to signal discomfort with aggressive driving. Classical poets like Saadi often used 'āheste' to describe the ideal way of living—with moderation and patience. In Afghanistan, 'āheste' is also used, but you might hear 'shawa-shawa' or 'yavash' more frequently in certain dialects.
The 'Kamy' Trick
Add 'kamy' (a little) before 'āhestetar' to sound much more natural and less demanding.
Don't just say 'Yavash'
Saying just 'Yavash!' to a stranger can sound like a command or even a bit rude. Always add 'Lotfan'.
Signification
A polite request to reduce speed, either in speech or movement.
The 'Kamy' Trick
Add 'kamy' (a little) before 'āhestetar' to sound much more natural and less demanding.
Don't just say 'Yavash'
Saying just 'Yavash!' to a stranger can sound like a command or even a bit rude. Always add 'Lotfan'.
Smile while saying it
Persian culture values warmth. A smile with 'Lotfan āhestetar' ensures the speaker doesn't feel they are being criticized for their speech.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to politely ask a taxi driver to slow down.
آقا، ببخشید، ________ آهستهتر بروید.
'Lotfan' is the necessary word to make the request polite.
Which suffix makes 'āheste' (slow) mean 'slower'?
آهسته + ____ = Slower
The suffix '-tar' is used for comparative adjectives in Persian.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
Match 'کمی یواشتر' with its context.
'Yavash-tar' is the informal version of 'āhestetar'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: من خیلی تند حرف میزنم؟ B: بله، کمی ________.
The context asks for a speed correction.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs. Informal 'Slow'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesآقا، ببخشید، ________ آهستهتر بروید.
'Lotfan' is the necessary word to make the request polite.
آهسته + ____ = Slower
The suffix '-tar' is used for comparative adjectives in Persian.
Match 'کمی یواشتر' with its context.
'Yavash-tar' is the informal version of 'āhestetar'.
A: من خیلی تند حرف میزنم؟ B: بله، کمی ________.
The context asks for a speed correction.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly, yes. 'Āheste' is more formal/literary, while 'yavash' is more common in daily speech.
Yes, 'āheste' can mean 'quietly', but 'ārām' or 'yavash' are more common for volume.
Usually at the beginning or end. 'Lotfan āhestetar' or 'Āhestetar lotfan' are both fine.
It is written as one word or with a half-space (zwnj) in Persian script: آهستهتر.
Say 'Lotfan negah darid' (Please stop/hold) or 'Bas ast' (It is enough).
Yes, it is perfectly polite for a classroom setting.
Not if you use a polite tone and include 'lotfan'. It sounds like a request for help.
The opposite is 'Tond-tar' (Faster).
Yes, both countries use 'āheste', though local slang for 'slow' may vary.
No, for that use 'Internet kond ast' (The internet is slow).
Expressions liées
یواشتر
synonymSlower (informal)
تندتر
contrastFaster
کمی صبر کنید
similarWait a little
شمردهتر
specialized formMore articulately
ملایمتر
similarMore gently
