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A1 adjective #2,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

متاسف

moteassef Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces متاسف en 30 secondes

Explication متاسف in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'motā'assef' is introduced as the standard way to say 'I am sorry' in a slightly more formal or sincere way than 'bebakhshid'. Students learn the phrase 'Man motā'assefam' as a fixed expression. The focus is on basic recognition and use in simple sentences. You learn that it describes a feeling. For example, if you are late to class, your teacher might expect more than just a 'bebakhshid'. Saying 'Motā'assefam' shows you understand the social weight of being late. At this stage, learners should focus on the 'am' ending (I am) and practicing the pronunciation of the four syllables. It's a 'power word' that helps you sound more polite and empathetic immediately.

In A2, learners expand their use of 'motā'assef' to include simple reasons for their regret using the word 'ke' (that). For example, 'Motā'assefam ke dir āmadam' (I'm sorry that I came late). You also start using it to show sympathy for others' small misfortunes, like a friend losing their keys. The distinction between 'motā'assef' and 'bebakhshid' becomes clearer: 'bebakhshid' for 'excuse me' and 'motā'assef' for 'I feel bad about this'. You also learn the negative form: 'motā'assef nistam' (I am not sorry), though this is less common in polite conversation. The goal is to move from fixed phrases to simple, constructed sentences.

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At the B1 level, you begin to use 'motā'assef' in more complex grammatical structures, such as using it with the past tense: 'Man motā'assef budam' (I was sorry). You also start to use intensifiers like 'vāqe'an' (really) or 'kheyli' (very) to modulate the intensity of your apology. B1 learners should be able to handle 'motā'assef' in a variety of social situations, including work-related apologies and expressing condolences. You also learn the adverbial form 'mota'assefāne' (unfortunately), which is crucial for storytelling and explaining why things didn't go as planned. This level focuses on the versatility of the word across different contexts.

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B2 learners should be comfortable using 'motā'assef' in formal writing and professional environments. You learn to use it in passive or impersonal constructions, such as 'Motā'assefāne gozāresh-hā neshān midahand...' (Unfortunately, reports show...). At this stage, you understand the nuance between 'motā'assef' and 'ma'zerat khāstan' (to apologize). You can use 'motā'assef' to convey a sense of regret that is beyond your control, common in business or diplomatic language. You also begin to recognize the word in more complex literary texts and can discuss the themes of regret and remorse using the word as a starting point.

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At the C1 level, 'motā'assef' is used with high precision. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the 'A-S-F' family. You can use it to express philosophical or existential regret. C1 learners can distinguish between 'motā'assef' and more obscure synonyms like 'mota'allem' or 'mutā'assir'. You are able to use the word in sophisticated debates or academic papers to acknowledge counter-arguments or unfortunate facts with the appropriate level of gravitas. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle use of 'Ta'arof' where 'motā'assef' might be used to soften a refusal or a disagreement.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'motā'assef' and its place in the history of the Persian language. You can analyze its use in classical poetry versus modern prose. You understand the political and social implications of its use in public discourse—for example, when a public figure uses 'motā'assef' versus 'ma'zerat mikhāham' and what that says about their accountability. You can use the word and its derivatives to express the most subtle shades of human emotion, from fleeting regret to lifelong remorse. You are also capable of using the word creatively in literature or high-level rhetoric to evoke specific emotional responses in your audience.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

متاسف en 30 secondes

Used to express genuine regret or apology in formal and informal settings.
Essential for showing sympathy (e.g., 'I'm sorry to hear that').
Derived from Arabic root for sorrow; more formal than 'bebakhshid'.
Commonly used with the verb 'budan' (to be) and the preposition 'barāye' or 'az'.

The Persian word متاسف (motā'assef) is a cornerstone of polite social interaction and emotional expression in the Persian language. Derived from the Arabic root 'A-S-F', which pertains to sorrow, grief, and regret, this adjective is the primary vehicle for expressing the state of being 'sorry' or 'regretful'. In the spectrum of Persian apologies, it sits in a unique position: it is more formal and emotionally weighted than a simple 'bebakhshid' (excuse me), yet versatile enough to be used in both professional and deeply personal contexts. When you say you are motā'assef, you are not just asking for forgiveness; you are describing your internal state of remorse or sympathy. This distinction is vital for learners to grasp. For instance, if you accidentally bump into someone on the Tehran metro, you would likely say 'bebakhshid'. However, if you miss a friend's wedding or have to deliver bad news, 'motā'assef' is the appropriate choice. It bridges the gap between a social lubricant and a sincere emotional declaration.

Formal Apology: Used in business correspondence or with elders to show high levels of respect when an error has occurred.

Sympathy: Used to express condolences or sadness regarding someone else's misfortune, similar to 'I am sorry to hear that'.

من واقعاً برای این اتفاق متاسف هستم.

(I am truly sorry for this incident.)

Culturally, Iranians place a high value on 'Adab' (etiquette). Using motā'assef correctly demonstrates a learner's mastery of social nuances. It is often paired with the verb 'budan' (to be), as in 'motā'assefam' (I am sorry) or 'motā'assef hastim' (we are sorry). In more literary or highly formal Persian, you might encounter 'mota'assefāne' (unfortunately), which is the adverbial form. Understanding the root allows you to see the connection to words like 'asaf' (regret) and 'ta'assof' (remorse). In daily life, you will hear it in news broadcasts ('We regret to inform you...'), in customer service ('We are sorry for the delay'), and in heart-to-heart conversations. It is a word that carries the weight of the heart, making it essential for anyone looking to move beyond basic survival Persian into the realm of meaningful human connection.

خیلی متاسفم که نتوانستم بیایم.

(I'm very sorry that I couldn't come.)

The 'E' Suffix: In spoken Persian, 'motā'assef hastam' is almost always shortened to 'motā'assefam'.

Integrating متاسف into your sentences requires an understanding of Persian sentence structure, particularly how adjectives interact with auxiliary verbs. Most commonly, it functions as a predicate adjective. The standard construction is [Subject] + [Prepositional Phrase] + [motā'assef] + [Verb 'to be']. For example, 'Man barāye raftāram motā'assefam' (I am sorry for my behavior). Notice the use of the preposition 'barāye' (for), which is the most frequent partner for this word. When you want to express regret about an action, you often follow the adjective with the conjunction 'ke' (that), leading into a subordinate clause. This allows for complex expressions of remorse, such as 'I am sorry that I didn't call you'.

او از گفته‌های خود بسیار متاسف بود.

(He was very regretful of his words.)

In formal writing, such as an email to a professor or a business partner, motā'assef is often preceded by intensifiers like 'besyār' (very) or 'ghāyatan' (extremely). In these contexts, it's not just about saying sorry; it's about acknowledging the gravity of a situation. Interestingly, the word can also be used to describe a third party. You can say, 'The manager is sorry for the inconvenience'. This third-person usage is common in official announcements. Another vital pattern is the use of 'motā'assef' to express sympathy. When someone shares bad news, saying 'Vāqe'an motā'assefam' (I'm really sorry) is the standard empathetic response, equivalent to 'I'm sorry for your loss' or 'I'm sorry you're going through this'.

Sentence Pattern 1: [Person] + از (from/about) + [Noun] + متاسف است. (Person is sorry about Noun.)

ما متاسفیم که پرواز شما تاخیر دارد.

(We are sorry that your flight has a delay.)

Advanced users should note that 'motā'assef' can also be used with the verb 'shodan' (to become) to indicate a change in state. 'Man az shenidan-e in khabar motā'assef shodam' (I became sorry/saddened upon hearing this news). This emphasizes the reaction to the information. Whether you are navigating a delicate social situation or writing a formal letter, mastering these patterns ensures your apologies are both grammatically correct and culturally resonant.

You will encounter متاسف in a myriad of real-world scenarios across the Persian-speaking world. In the digital age, it is a staple of customer service interactions on Iranian apps like Snapp or Digikala. If a delivery is late, the automated message or the support agent will invariably use 'motā'assefim'. On the news, when reporting on tragic events or diplomatic frictions, the anchor will use 'motā'assef' to convey the government's or the public's stance of regret. This gives the word a sense of officiality and gravity. In Iranian cinema and television dramas, 'motā'assef' is often the climax of a scene where a character realizes their mistake, often delivered with a heavy sigh and a downward gaze, reflecting the deep-seated cultural value of remorse.

گوینده خبر گفت: دولت از وقوع این حادثه بسیار متاسف است.

(The news anchor said: The government is very sorry about the occurrence of this incident.)

In a domestic setting, parents might use it to teach children about empathy: 'Did you see how sad she was? You should be sorry (motā'assef bāshi)'. In academic settings, a professor might use it when declining a student's request for an extension: 'Motā'assefam, vali nemitavānam qabul konam' (I'm sorry, but I cannot accept it). This usage shows how the word maintains politeness even when delivering a 'no'. Interestingly, in the bustling bazaars, while 'bebakhshid' is used to navigate the crowds, 'motā'assef' might be used by a merchant who genuinely cannot fulfill a specific request or has run out of a particular spice, signaling a higher level of personal service and regret.

Customer Support: 'Motā'assefim ke moshkeli pish āmadeh ast' (We are sorry that a problem has arisen).

In literature, both contemporary and classical, the root 'asaf' appears frequently. While the specific adjective 'motā'assef' is more common in Modern Standard Persian, the sentiment of regret it carries is a recurring theme in Persian poetry. When reading a modern novel, look for it in dialogues where characters are reconciling after a conflict. It marks a shift from anger to understanding, making it a pivotal word in narrative progression. By paying attention to these varied contexts, you'll see that 'motā'assef' is not just a vocabulary item, but a vital tool for navigating the complexities of Persian social and emotional life.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Persian is overusing متاسف in situations where a simple 'bebakhshid' is more appropriate. In English, 'sorry' is a catch-all word used for everything from stepping on a toe to expressing deep grief. In Persian, using 'motā'assefam' for a minor social slip-up can sound overly dramatic or even slightly sarcastic. For example, if you drop a pen and someone picks it up, or if you need to interrupt someone to ask the time, saying 'motā'assefam' would be out of place. This is a nuance of 'Ta'arof' and general social etiquette that takes time to master. Always remember: 'bebakhshid' for 'excuse me/pardon', 'motā'assef' for 'I feel regret/sympathy'.

غلط: متاسفم، ساعت چند است؟ (Wrong: Sorry, what time is it?)

Another common mistake involves the prepositional choice. Learners often try to translate the English 'sorry for' directly, sometimes forgetting that Persian uses 'az' (from/of) or 'barāye' (for) depending on the context. Saying 'motā'assef be...' is a common error. Correct usage would be 'az in kār motā'assefam' (I am sorry about/from this act). Furthermore, pronunciation can be a hurdle. The 't' is a soft dental T, and the 's' is a sharp S, but the glottal stop (indicated by the 'ayin or hamza in Arabic roots) is often smoothed over in casual speech. However, in formal speech, failing to give the word its proper three-syllable weight (mo-tā-as-sef) can make it sound like a different word entirely.

Confusion with 'Ma'zerat': 'Ma'zerat mikhāham' is 'I apologize'. 'Motā'assefam' is 'I am sorry'. Use the former for the act of apologizing, the latter for the feeling.

Finally, learners sometimes forget to conjugate the verb 'to be' that follows 'motā'assef'. Since it's an adjective, it doesn't change, but the verb must match the subject. 'Mā motā'assef hastim' (We are sorry) vs 'U motā'assef ast' (He/She is sorry). In colloquial speech, the verb often becomes a suffix: 'motā'assefam', 'motā'assefi', 'motā'assefe'. Forgetting these suffixes is a hallmark of beginner speech. By avoiding these pitfalls—overuse, wrong prepositions, and poor conjugation—you will sound much more like a native speaker.

To truly master the art of the Persian apology, one must know the alternatives to متاسف. Persian is a language of nuances, and choosing the right word for 'sorry' depends entirely on the 'Register' and the 'Intent'. As discussed, 'bebakhshid' is the most common and versatile, used for minor mistakes and as 'excuse me'. However, when the situation is more serious, you might use 'ma'zerat mikhāham' (I want/request an excuse/apology). This is more active than 'motā'assefam'; it's a formal request for forgiveness. You'll hear this in official settings or when someone has made a significant error in judgment.

Pashimān (پشیمان): This means 'regretful' in the sense of 'I wish I hadn't done that'. It's more about personal regret than social apology. 'Az kharid-e in mashin pashimānam' (I regret buying this car).

من از رفتار دیروزم پشیمانم.

(I regret my behavior yesterday.)

Another fascinating alternative is 'sharmandeh' (شرمنده), which literally translates to 'ashamed'. In the world of 'Ta'arof', this is used when you feel you haven't lived up to an expectation or when someone does something nice for you. For example, if a shopkeeper gives you a discount, you might say 'sharmandeh-am' to express your humble gratitude. It's 'sorry' in the sense of 'I am indebted to you'. For expressing deep sorrow or condolences, 'tasliat' (تسلیت) is the specific word for 'condolences'. While you can say 'motā'assefam' when someone passes away, 'tasliat miguyam' is the formal and more common way to offer sympathy.

Finally, in very high-register literature or formal speeches, you might encounter 'mota'allem' (aggrieved/pained). This is much stronger than 'motā'assef' and indicates a deep emotional pain caused by an event. Understanding these distinctions—from the casual 'bebakhshid' to the humble 'sharmandeh' and the formal 'ma'zerat'—allows you to navigate Persian social life with grace and precision. Each word is a tool, and 'motā'assef' is perhaps the most essential one for expressing genuine human regret.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root A-S-F appears in the Quran and classical Arabic poetry to describe deep grief. In Persian, it has become the standard for polite apologies.

Guide de prononciation

UK /mo.tæ.æs.sef/

US /moʊ.tɑ.æs.sɛf/

The primary stress is on the final syllable '-sef'.

Rime avec

monseff mosharraf mokhaffaf motevaghef moshakhass moghadass modarress mohandess

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'mota-sef' (missing the double 's' and glottal stop).
Confusing the 'a' sounds (the first 'a' is long 'ā', the second is short 'a').
Placing stress on the first syllable.
Merging the middle syllables too quickly.
Pronouncing 'u' instead of 'o' at the beginning.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize once the Arabic root 'A-S-F' is known.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 's' (sīn) and the glottal stop.

Expression orale 3/5

Four syllables can be a bit of a mouthful for beginners.

Écoute 2/5

Very distinct sound in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

من هستم ببخشید خیلی که

Apprends ensuite

پشیمان شرمنده معذرت متاسفانه غمگین

Avancé

نادم متألم متأثر تاسف‌بار بی‌تاسف

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective + 'Budan' conjugation

من متاسفم، تو متاسفی، او متاسف است.

Using 'Ke' for reasons

متاسفم که (I'm sorry that...)

Preposition 'Az' for cause

از این رفتار متاسفم.

Preposition 'Barāye' for person

برای تو متاسفم.

Adverb formation with 'āne'

متاسف + انه = متاسفانه

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Exemples par niveau

من متاسفم.

I am sorry.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb (short form).

او متاسف است.

He/She is sorry.

Third person singular conjugation of 'budan'.

آیا شما متاسف هستید؟

Are you sorry?

Interrogative form using 'āyā'.

ما متاسفیم.

We are sorry.

First person plural conjugation.

خیلی متاسفم.

I am very sorry.

Use of 'kheyli' as an intensifier.

سارا متاسف نیست.

Sara is not sorry.

Negative form using 'nist'.

من برای تو متاسفم.

I am sorry for you.

Use of preposition 'barāye'.

متاسفم، نان نداریم.

Sorry, we don't have bread.

Used as a polite introductory apology.

متاسفم که دیر کردم.

I'm sorry that I'm late.

Use of 'ke' to introduce a reason.

او از این اتفاق متاسف شد.

He became sorry about this incident.

Use of 'shodan' (to become) instead of 'budan'.

ما برای تاخیر متاسفیم.

We are sorry for the delay.

Formal apology context.

متاسفم که نمی‌توانم بیایم.

I'm sorry that I cannot come.

Negative ability in the subordinate clause.

آیا برای رفتارت متاسفی؟

Are you sorry for your behavior?

Informal 'you' with possessive suffix 'at'.

او واقعاً متاسف به نظر می‌رسد.

He really looks sorry.

Use of 'be nazar rasidan' (to seem/look).

متاسفم، این کتاب را نداریم.

Sorry, we don't have this book.

Polite refusal.

من از گم شدن کلیدت متاسفم.

I'm sorry about your key being lost.

Sympathy for a small misfortune.

من واقعاً متاسفم که شما را منتظر گذاشتم.

I am truly sorry for keeping you waiting.

Use of 'vāqe'an' and causative verb 'gozāshtan'.

متاسفم که نتوانستم در جشن شما شرکت کنم.

I'm sorry I couldn't attend your celebration.

Past potential negative verb.

او از اینکه به تو دروغ گفته بود، متاسف بود.

He was sorry that he had lied to you.

Past perfect in the subordinate clause.

متأسفانه هوا برای پیکنیک مناسب نیست.

Unfortunately, the weather is not suitable for a picnic.

Adverbial form 'mota'assefāne'.

مدیر از لغو جلسه بسیار متاسف است.

The manager is very sorry about the meeting's cancellation.

Formal third-person usage.

باید بگویم که از شنیدن این خبر متاسف شدم.

I must say I was sorry to hear this news.

Expressing sympathy for bad news.

ما از بابت هرگونه مزاحمت متاسفیم.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Standard phrase 'az bābat-e...'

او قلباً از اشتباهش متاسف بود.

He was sincerely (from the heart) sorry for his mistake.

Use of 'qalbā' (sincerely/heartily).

شرکت از نقص فنی پیش آمده عمیقاً متاسف است.

The company is deeply sorry for the technical defect that occurred.

Use of 'amiqan' (deeply) in a formal context.

متاسفم که باید اطلاع دهم درخواست شما رد شده است.

I regret to inform you that your request has been rejected.

Formal 'regret to inform' construction.

او از اینکه فرصت را از دست داده بود، سخت متاسف بود.

He was severely regretful that he had lost the opportunity.

Use of 'sakht' as an intensifier for regret.

متأسفانه امکان تغییر رزرو وجود ندارد.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the reservation.

Impersonal formal construction.

او با لحنی متاسف پاسخ داد که نمی‌تواند کمک کند.

He replied in a regretful tone that he could not help.

Describing the 'tone' (lahn) of the apology.

ما از اینکه نتوانستیم انتظارات شما را برآورده کنیم، متاسفیم.

We are sorry that we couldn't meet your expectations.

Compound verb 'bar-āvardeh kardan' (to fulfill).

دولت از تلفات جانی در این حادثه بسیار متاسف است.

The government is very sorry about the loss of life in this incident.

Official state apology.

او از بابت رفتاری که در گذشته داشته، متاسف به نظر می‌رسد.

He seems sorry for the behavior he had in the past.

Reflecting on long-term regret.

نویسنده در مقدمه کتاب، از کاستی‌های احتمالی اظهار تاسف کرده است.

The author, in the book's preface, has expressed regret for potential shortcomings.

Use of 'ezhār-e ta'assof kardan' (to express regret).

او با نگاهی متاسف به ویرانه‌های شهر نگریست.

He looked at the city ruins with a regretful gaze.

Adjective modifying the noun 'negāh' (look/gaze).

بسیار متاسفم که ناچارم چنین خبر ناگواری را به اطلاع برسانم.

I am very sorry to be forced to bring such unpleasant news to your attention.

High-register 'nāchāram' (I am forced/obliged).

متأسفانه، تلاش‌های دیپلماتیک برای جلوگیری از جنگ به نتیجه نرسید.

Unfortunately, diplomatic efforts to prevent war did not yield results.

Complex political context.

او از اینکه نتوانسته بود در آخرین لحظات کنار پدرش باشد، عمیقاً متاسف بود.

He was deeply sorry that he hadn't been able to be by his father's side in the last moments.

Deep emotional regret with temporal markers.

جامعه جهانی از نقض حقوق بشر در آن منطقه ابراز تاسف کرد.

The international community expressed regret over human rights violations in that region.

Formal diplomatic terminology.

او در نامه‌اش با کلماتی متاسف و صمیمانه عذرخواهی کرده بود.

In his letter, he had apologized with regretful and sincere words.

Coordinating adjectives 'motā'assef' and 'samimāneh'.

هرچند متاسفم، اما باید بگویم که راه بازگشتی وجود ندارد.

Although I am sorry, I must say there is no way back.

Concessive clause using 'harchand'.

در لایه‌های پنهان کلامش، نوعی تاسف اگزیستانسیال نسبت به عمر از دست رفته حس می‌شد.

In the hidden layers of his speech, a kind of existential regret for a lost life could be felt.

Abstract philosophical usage.

او نه تنها متاسف، بلکه از کرده‌های خویش منزجر بود.

He was not only regretful but also disgusted by his own actions.

Comparative intensity: 'not only... but also'.

تاریخ‌نگاران از فقدان منابع مکتوب در آن دوره خاص اظهار تاسف می‌کنند.

Historians express regret over the lack of written sources in that particular period.

Academic/Professional regret.

این شعر، مرثیه‌ای است بر فرصت‌های سوخته و رویاهای متاسف.

This poem is an elegy for burnt opportunities and regretful dreams.

Metaphorical use of the adjective.

متأسفانه، جبر زمانه ما را به سوی سرنوشتی محتوم سوق می‌دهد.

Unfortunately, the compulsion of the times drives us toward an inevitable fate.

Fatalistic/Philosophical register.

او در خاطراتش، با لحنی متاسف از تصمیمات سیاسی آن دوران یاد می‌کند.

In his memoirs, he recalls the political decisions of that era with a regretful tone.

Reflective historical narrative.

سکوت متاسف او، گویاتر از هر فریادی بود.

His regretful silence was more eloquent than any shout.

Literary personification of silence.

ما از اینکه نتوانستیم میراث فرهنگی خود را به درستی حفظ کنیم، متاسفیم.

We are sorry that we were unable to properly preserve our cultural heritage.

Collective national/cultural regret.

Collocations courantes

واقعاً متاسفم

عمیقاً متاسفم

بسیار متاسفم

متاسفم که...

از بابت ... متاسفم

برای شما متاسفم

متاسف به نظر رسیدن

اظهار تاسف کردن

کمی متاسف

متاسف شدم

Phrases Courantes

خیلی متاسفم

— Very sorry. Standard sincere apology.

خیلی متاسفم که منتظر ماندی.

متاسفم، نمی‌توانم

— Sorry, I can't. Polite refusal.

متاسفم، نمی‌توانم به مهمانی بیایم.

واقعاً برایت متاسفم

— I'm really sorry for you. Can be sympathy or sarcasm.

واقعاً برایت متاسفم که اینقدر سختی می‌کشی.

متاسفم که این را می‌گویم

— I'm sorry to say this. Used before bad news.

متاسفم که این را می‌گویم، اما شما قبول نشدید.

ما از صمیم قلب متاسفیم

— We are sorry from the bottom of our hearts.

ما از صمیم قلب برای این حادثه متاسفیم.

متاسفم، اشتباه از من بود

— Sorry, it was my mistake.

متاسفم، اشتباه از من بود که فراموش کردم.

بسیار متاسفم که مزاحم شدم

— Very sorry to have bothered you.

بسیار متاسفم که در این ساعت مزاحم شدم.

متاسفم، متوجه نشدم

— Sorry, I didn't notice/understand.

متاسفم، متوجه نشدم چه گفتید.

متاسفم، تمام شد

— Sorry, it's finished/out of stock.

متاسفم، بلیت‌ها تمام شد.

من از گذشته‌ام متاسفم

— I am sorry/regretful of my past.

من از کارهایی که در گذشته کردم متاسفم.

Souvent confondu avec

متاسف vs ببخشید

Bebakhshid is 'excuse me/pardon', motā'assef is 'I feel regret'.

متاسف vs شرمنده

Sharmandeh is 'ashamed/indebted', motā'assef is 'sorry/sad'.

متاسف vs پشیمان

Pashimān is specifically about wishing you hadn't done something.

Expressions idiomatiques

"اظهار تاسف عمیق"

— Expressing deep regret. Common in diplomacy.

وزیر امور خارجه اظهار تاسف عمیق کرد.

Formal

"متاسف به حال کسی بودن"

— To feel sorry for someone's (bad) state.

من به حال او متاسفم که چنین فکری می‌کند.

Neutral

"اشک تاسف ریختن"

— To shed tears of regret.

او برای فرصت‌های از دست رفته اشک تاسف ریخت.

Literary

"دست تاسف به هم سودن"

— To rub hands in regret (idiom for being regretful).

او حالا دست تاسف به هم می‌ساید.

Literary

"آه تاسف کشیدن"

— To sigh with regret.

پیرمرد آه تاسفی کشید و گذشت.

Literary

"مایه تاسف بودن"

— To be a cause for regret/shame.

این وضعیت مایه تاسف است.

Formal

"با کمال تاسف"

— With utmost regret.

با کمال تاسف باید بگویم او رفت.

Formal

"تاسف خوردن"

— To 'eat' (feel) regret.

او برای گذشته‌اش تاسف می‌خورد.

Neutral

"متأسفانه و بدبختانه"

— Unfortunately and unluckily.

متأسفانه و بدبختانه باران گرفت.

Neutral

"جای تاسف دارد"

— It is a matter of regret.

جای تاسف دارد که چنین شد.

Formal

Facile à confondre

متاسف vs متأثر

Sounds similar and also relates to emotions.

Mota'asser means 'affected' (usually by grief), while motā'assef is specifically 'sorry'.

او از مرگ دوستش متأثر شد.

متاسف vs متوقف

Similar rhythm/syllables.

Motevaghef means 'stopped'.

ماشین متوقف شد.

متاسف vs متوسط

Similar prefix.

Motavasset means 'average' or 'middle'.

قد او متوسط است.

متاسف vs متصل

Similar prefix.

Mottasel means 'connected'.

تلفن متصل است.

متاسف vs متحیر

Similar prefix.

Motahayyer means 'surprised/astonished'.

او از دیدن ما متحیر شد.

Structures de phrases

من متاسفم.

Man motā'assefam.

متاسفم که [Sentence].

Motā'assefam ke dir āmadam.

[Subject] از [Noun] متاسف بود.

Ali az raftārash motā'assef bud.

عمیقاً برای [Event] متاسفیم.

Amiqan barāye in mozu motā'assefim.

با کمال تاسف باید بگویم که...

Bā kamāl-e ta'assof bāyad beguyam ke...

اظهار تاسف نسبت به [Abstract Noun].

Ezhār-e ta'assof nesbat be faghdan-e manābe'.

خیلی متاسفم.

Kheyli motā'assefam.

واقعاً متاسف شدم.

Vāqe'an motā'assef shodam.

Famille de mots

Noms

تاسف (ta'assof) - regret

اسف (asaf) - grief

Verbes

تاسف خوردن (ta'assof khordan) - to regret

اظهار تاسف کردن (ezhār-e ta'assof kardan) - to express regret

Adjectifs

متاسف (motā'assef) - sorry

اسفناک (asafnāk) - regrettable/tragic

Apparenté

پشیمان

شرمنده

معذرت

غم

اندوه

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Persian.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'motā'assef' for 'Excuse me'. → bebakhshid
Motā'assef is for regret, not for getting attention.
Saying 'motā'assef be...'. → motā'assef az / barāye
Persian uses 'az' or 'barāye' with this adjective.
Forgetting the verb 'to be'. → Man motā'assefam.
You must include the verb 'hastam' or its suffix.
Using 'motā'assef' when someone does something nice. → sharmandeh / mamnun
In Ta'arof, 'sharmandeh' is used for gratitude/indebtedness.
Pronouncing it 'mota-sef'. → mo-tā-as-sef
The word has four distinct syllables including a double 's'.

Astuces

Sincerity Matters

In Iran, eye contact and a slight bow of the head when saying 'motā'assefam' add to the sincerity of the apology.

Short Forms

Always remember that 'motā'assefam' is the contraction of 'motā'assef hastam'. Using the full form sounds very formal.

The 'A-S-F' Root

Learning the root A-S-F will help you remember other words like 'asaf' (regret) and 'mota'assefāne' (unfortunately).

Intonation

A rising intonation at the end can make it sound like a question. Keep your voice steady or slightly falling for a sincere apology.

Formal Emails

Start formal emails with 'Mota'assefāne...' if you are delivering bad news; it's considered very polite.

Catching the Suffix

Listen closely for the '-am', '-i', '-e' at the end of the word in fast speech.

Response

When someone says 'motā'assefam', a common response is 'Khāhesh mikonam' (Please, don't mention it) or 'Eshkāli nadārad' (No problem).

Sympathy vs Apology

Use 'motā'assef shodam' (I became sorry) specifically when hearing bad news for the first time.

The 'Asset' Trick

Think: 'My best asset is being sorry' = Motā-Asset -> Motā'assef.

Avoid Direct Translation

Don't translate 'I'm sorry?' (when you didn't hear someone) as 'motā'assefam'. Use 'bebakhshid?' or 'chi goftid?'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'MOTA' (like motor) and 'ASSEF' (like asset). 'My motor's asset is being sorry!' Or link 'Assef' to 'Alas'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person holding a broken vase with a sad face, saying 'Motā'assefam'.

Word Web

Remorse Apology Sorrow Regret Politeness Sympathy Formal Unfortunately

Défi

Try to use 'motā'assefam' instead of 'bebakhshid' three times today when you genuinely feel bad about something small.

Origine du mot

Borrowed from Arabic 'متأسف' (muta'assif), which is the active participle of the verb 'ta'assafa'.

Sens originel : One who is grieved, sorry, or pained.

Semitic (Arabic) root adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Contexte culturel

Be careful using it sarcastically, as it can be quite biting ('I'm sorry for you').

English speakers use 'sorry' for everything. Persians distinguish between 'excuse me' and 'I feel regret'.

Commonly used in Iranian state TV apologies. Appears in modern Persian pop songs about heartbreak. Used in formal letters by famous Iranian authors like Sadegh Hedayat.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Late for an appointment

متاسفم که دیر آمدم.
خیلی منتظر ماندید؟
ببخشید، ترافیک بود.
واقعاً متاسفم.

Expressing Sympathy

از شنیدن این خبر متاسفم.
تسلیت می‌گویم.
واقعاً برایت متاسفم.
من را در غمت شریک بدان.

Declining an Invitation

متاسفم، کار دارم.
خیلی دوست داشتم بیایم اما متاسفم.
شاید دفعه بعد، متاسفم.
امیدوارم خوش بگذرد، متاسفم که نیستم.

Customer Service

متاسفیم، تمام شد.
از صبر شما متاسفیم.
مشکل حل خواهد شد، متاسفیم.
بابت نقص فنی متاسفیم.

Breaking Something

متاسفم، از دستم افتاد.
جبران می‌کنم، متاسفم.
واقعاً عمدی نبود، متاسفم.
ببخشید که خراب شد.

Amorces de conversation

"آیا تا به حال برای کاری که انجام داده‌ای واقعاً متاسف شده‌ای؟"

"چطور در فرهنگ شما عذرخواهی می‌کنند؟"

"بهترین راه برای گفتن 'متاسفم' چیست؟"

"وقتی کسی به تو می‌گوید 'متاسفم'، چه جوابی می‌دهی؟"

"آیا فکر می‌کنی گفتن 'متاسفم' سخت است؟"

Sujets d'écriture

درباره زمانی بنویسید که از انجام کاری بسیار متاسف بودید.

چرا گفتن کلمه 'متاسفم' در روابط انسانی مهم است؟

تفاوت بین 'ببخشید' و 'متاسفم' را با مثال توضیح دهید.

یک نامه عذرخواهی فرضی به یک دوست بنویسید.

اگر می‌توانستید به گذشته برگردید، برای چه چیزی متاسف بودید و چه تغییری می‌دادید؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it's used in neutral daily conversation when you want to be sincere. However, for very casual things like bumping into someone, 'bebakhshid' is preferred.

Motā'assefam is an apology to someone else or a feeling of sympathy. Pashimānam is personal regret about your own choices (e.g., 'I regret buying this').

No. Use 'bebakhshid' if you want to get someone's attention or pass by.

You can say 'Vāqe'an motā'assefam' or the more formal 'Tasliat miguyam'.

Yes, exactly the same. It's very common at the start of sentences.

No, Persian adjectives do not have gender.

The adjective stays the same; you just change the verb: 'Mā motā'assef hastim'.

The Arabic root is A-S-F (أَسَفَ), meaning grief or sorrow.

Yes, that is perfectly correct. 'Barāye' means 'for'.

In some 'Ta'arof' contexts, yes, because it shows extreme humility. But 'motā'assef' is more standard for a general apology.

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