मतलब
To express regret or apology.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Iran, an apology is often accompanied by 'Ta'arof.' Even if you are not entirely at fault, saying 'Motassefam' or 'Sharmandeh' helps maintain social harmony. In Dari Persian, 'Motassef hastum' is used similarly, but you might also hear 'Bubakhshen' used more frequently in formal settings than in Tehran. Tajik Persian (using Cyrillic script) uses 'Mutaassifam' (Мутаассифам). Due to Russian influence, the social context for apologies can sometimes feel slightly more direct. Second-generation Iranians in the West often use 'Motassefam' as a direct translation of the English 'I'm sorry,' sometimes using it in places where a native in Iran would prefer 'Bebakhshid.'
Hand on Heart
When saying 'Motassefam' for sympathy, placing your right hand over your heart adds a layer of cultural sincerity.
Avoid Overusing
Don't say 'Motassefam' for every little thing, or you'll sound like you're constantly in mourning. Use 'Bebakhshid' for the small stuff.
मतलब
To express regret or apology.
Hand on Heart
When saying 'Motassefam' for sympathy, placing your right hand over your heart adds a layer of cultural sincerity.
Avoid Overusing
Don't say 'Motassefam' for every little thing, or you'll sound like you're constantly in mourning. Use 'Bebakhshid' for the small stuff.
The 'Ke' Connection
Always follow 'Motassefam' with 'ke' if you want to explain why you are sorry. It makes your Persian sound much more natural.
Accepting the Apology
If someone says 'Motassefam' to you, respond with 'Eshkali nadarad' (No problem) or 'Khahesh mikonam' (You're welcome/Don't mention it).
खुद को परखो
Which phrase is most appropriate when hearing that a colleague's car was stolen?
دوستم گفت که ماشینش را دزدیدهاند. من باید بگویم:
'Motassefam' is used to express sympathy for someone else's misfortune.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
ما بابت این تأخیر بسیار ________. (We are very sorry for this delay.)
The subject is 'Ma' (We), so the verb must end in '-im'.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
1. Bumping into someone in a shop. 2. Forgetting a close friend's birthday. 3. Formal rejection of a job applicant.
Bebakhshid is for minor bumps, Motassefam for personal regrets, and formal 'Tassof' for professional rejections.
Complete the dialogue.
شخص الف: متأسفم که کتابت را گم کردم. شخص ب: ________، یکی دیگر میخرم.
'Eshkali nadarad' (No problem) is the standard way to accept an apology.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Bebakhshid vs. Motassefam
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासدوستم گفت که ماشینش را دزدیدهاند. من باید بگویم:
'Motassefam' is used to express sympathy for someone else's misfortune.
ما بابت این تأخیر بسیار ________. (We are very sorry for this delay.)
The subject is 'Ma' (We), so the verb must end in '-im'.
1. Bumping into someone in a shop. 2. Forgetting a close friend's birthday. 3. Formal rejection of a job applicant.
Bebakhshid is for minor bumps, Motassefam for personal regrets, and formal 'Tassof' for professional rejections.
شخص الف: متأسفم که کتابت را گم کردم. شخص ب: ________، یکی دیگر میخرم.
'Eshkali nadarad' (No problem) is the standard way to accept an apology.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
12 सवालIt is neutral to formal. It's safe to use with your boss, your teacher, or a stranger, but also with friends for serious matters.
No, use 'Bebakhshid' for 'Excuse me.' 'Motassefam' is specifically for regret or sympathy.
'Mazerat mikharam' is more formal and literally means 'I am asking for an excuse.' 'Motassefam' focuses on your feeling of regret.
Add 'kheyli' or 'vaghe'an' before it: 'Kheyli motassefam.'
Yes, it is very common to say 'Motassefam' when you hear about a death, though 'Tasliat miguyam' is the official condolence.
Yes, it's very common in texting, often written as 'motesefam' or 'motasefam' in Finglish.
No, the phrase is the same regardless of the speaker's gender.
It means 'unfortunately.' It's the adverb form of the same root.
'Sharmandeh' is more informal and carries a sense of 'I owe you one' or 'I'm embarrassed.' It's very common in bazaars.
Yes, if you made a mistake (like forgetting their toy), it's a good way to show respect to the child.
It becomes 'Motassefim' (متأسفیم).
Yes, but Persian 't' is dental (tongue touches the back of the teeth), making it sound slightly softer.
संबंधित मुहावरे
ببخشید
similarExcuse me / Forgive me
عذر میخواهم
synonymI apologize
شرمنده
similarI am ashamed
پوزش میطلبم
specialized formI seek your pardon
متأسفانه
builds onUnfortunately
تسلیت میگویم
specialized formI offer condolences
