Signification
Expressing regret or disappointment about a situation or outcome.
Contexte culturel
In Iran, 'Motāse fāne' is a pillar of Ta'arof. It allows people to maintain social harmony by blaming 'fate' or 'circumstances' rather than their own lack of desire to help. In Dari Persian, the word is also used, but you might hear 'Bad-bakhtāne' more frequently in news broadcasts to describe tragic events. Tajik speakers use 'Muta'assifona' (the Cyrillic spelling: Мутаассифона). It carries the same formal weight as in Iran. In Persian business emails, starting a sentence with 'Motāse fāne' is the standard way to introduce delays, rejections, or errors. It is considered much more professional than being blunt.
The 'No' Sandwich
In Iran, always sandwich a 'no' between a compliment and 'Motāse fāne.' Example: 'Your invite is great, but unfortunately, I'm busy.'
Don't over-apologize
If you use 'Motāse fāne' too much for your own mistakes, it sounds like you're making excuses rather than taking responsibility.
Signification
Expressing regret or disappointment about a situation or outcome.
The 'No' Sandwich
In Iran, always sandwich a 'no' between a compliment and 'Motāse fāne.' Example: 'Your invite is great, but unfortunately, I'm busy.'
Don't over-apologize
If you use 'Motāse fāne' too much for your own mistakes, it sounds like you're making excuses rather than taking responsibility.
Ta'arof Power
If someone says 'Motāse fāne' to you in a shop, don't push. It's a polite signal that the conversation on that topic is over.
Writing vs Speaking
In writing, you can put it after the subject (e.g., 'We unfortunately...'). In speaking, always put it at the start.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word to politely say you can't come.
________ نمیتوانم به تولد تو بیایم.
'Motāse fāne' is the only word here that expresses the regret needed for declining an invitation.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a customer the food is finished?
A) غذا نیست. B) متأسفانه غذا تمام شده است. C) حیف غذا. D) من متأسفانه هستم.
Option B is the standard, polite, and grammatically correct way to report this in a service context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You lost your keys and are telling your roommate.
Losing keys is an unfortunate event, so 'Motāse fāne' is required.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: آیا علی دایی در این بازی حضور دارد؟ مربی: خیر، ________ او مصدوم است.
The coach is reporting bad news (an injury), so 'Motāse fāne' is the correct adverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to say 'Unfortunately' in Persian
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________ نمیتوانم به تولد تو بیایم.
'Motāse fāne' is the only word here that expresses the regret needed for declining an invitation.
A) غذا نیست. B) متأسفانه غذا تمام شده است. C) حیف غذا. D) من متأسفانه هستم.
Option B is the standard, polite, and grammatically correct way to report this in a service context.
Situation: You lost your keys and are telling your roommate.
Losing keys is an unfortunate event, so 'Motāse fāne' is required.
علی: آیا علی دایی در این بازی حضور دارد؟ مربی: خیر، ________ او مصدوم است.
The coach is reporting bad news (an injury), so 'Motāse fāne' is the correct adverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine, but 'Heyf' is more common for very small things like missing a bus.
It's better to say 'Ba kamāl-e ta'assof' if you want to sound more regretful.
'Bad-bakhtāne' implies bad luck or a disaster. 'Motāse fāne' is just general regret.
Usually 'motasefane' or 'moteassefane'.
90% of the time in speech, yes. It sets the mood for the rest of the sentence.
Only as an adverb. You can't say 'I am unfortunately.' You must say 'I am sorry' (Mote'assefam).
Yes, it is standard in Dari as well.
Khosh-bakhtāne (Fortunately).
Yes, it's a dental 't', similar to French or Spanish.
Yes, it's highly recommended for being professional.
Rarely. Persians usually use it sincerely to be polite.
It's a medium-length word, but very common, so it's said quite fast.
Expressions liées
خوشبختانه
contrastFortunately
حیف
similarWhat a pity
بدبختانه
similarUnluckily
با کمال تأسف
specialized formWith the utmost regret
متأسفم
builds onI am sorry
