In 15 Seconds
- High-frequency everyday Persian expression.
- Works best with calm, polite delivery.
- Use as a full communication chunk.
- Great for sounding natural early.
Meaning
A polite everyday phrase used to ask for help, repetition, or a small favor without sounding demanding.
Key Examples
3 of 6Daily chat
ببخشید، یه لحظه، میتونی کمکم کنی؟
Excuse me, one moment.. Can you help me?
Polite request
ببخشید، ببخشید، یه لحظه.
Excuse me, Excuse me, one moment..
Classroom interaction
ببخشید، یه لحظه، جمله رو دوباره میگید؟
Excuse me, one moment.. Could you repeat the sentence?
Cultural Background
In Iran, using this phrase is a sign of good upbringing (ادب). It shows you respect the other person's time. The phrase is used identically in Dari, reflecting the shared cultural heritage of politeness. While the script is different (Cyrillic), the concept of 'бахшиш' (bakhshish) exists, though 'یه لحظه' is less common in the same exact phrasing. Persian speakers abroad often use this phrase to maintain a connection to their cultural identity while navigating Western social norms.
Smile!
Always smile when saying this. It makes the interruption seem friendly and non-threatening.
Body Language
A slight nod or a raised hand makes the phrase even more effective.
In 15 Seconds
- High-frequency everyday Persian expression.
- Works best with calm, polite delivery.
- Use as a full communication chunk.
- Great for sounding natural early.
What It Means
The phrase ببخشید، یه لحظه is a high-frequency everyday expression in Persian. A good English shortcut is "Excuse me, one moment.". You will hear it in homes, shops, classrooms, and daily chat. The key is tone: say it warmly and clearly, not too dramatic, and it sounds natural immediately. This is one of those phrases that helps you sound human in Persian, not like a textbook line. Even when your grammar is basic, using this expression correctly makes your interaction smoother and more respectful.
Use ببخشید، یه لحظه in short real-life exchanges: quick requests, polite replies, appreciation, or social check-ins depending on context. Keep your delivery friendly and calm, and match formality to the relationship. In very formal situations, pair it with polite verbs and respectful pronouns. In casual conversation, you can keep it short and conversational. A common learner mistake is translating word by word and overthinking it. Treat it as a communication chunk, practice it in full sentences, and your Persian rhythm will improve much faster.
Usage Notes
Prioritize warm tone and context. If you are speaking to elders or in formal settings, choose respectful verb/pronoun forms around `ببخشید، یه لحظه`.
Smile!
Always smile when saying this. It makes the interruption seem friendly and non-threatening.
Body Language
A slight nod or a raised hand makes the phrase even more effective.
Examples
6ببخشید، یه لحظه، میتونی کمکم کنی؟
Excuse me, one moment.. Can you help me?
Common everyday use.
ببخشید، ببخشید، یه لحظه.
Excuse me, Excuse me, one moment..
Respectful opening.
ببخشید، یه لحظه، جمله رو دوباره میگید؟
Excuse me, one moment.. Could you repeat the sentence?
Learner-friendly phrase use.
ببخشید، یه لحظه 🙏
Excuse me, one moment..
Short texting style.
ببخشید، یه لحظه، اینو تا عصر میفرستید؟
Excuse me, one moment.. Could you send this by evening?
Professional but polite.
ببخشید، یه لحظه، خیلی ممنون.
Excuse me, one moment.. Thank you very much.
Soft relationship maintenance.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
ببخشید، یه ____، میشه کمک کنید؟
'لحظه' means moment, which fits the context of a short request.
Which is the most polite way to interrupt?
Which phrase is best for asking a question?
The other options are rude or aggressive.
Complete the dialogue.
A: _________ B: بله، بفرمایید؟
This is the standard way to initiate a request.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You need to ask for directions.
Used to get attention before asking.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، یه ____، میشه کمک کنید؟
'لحظه' means moment, which fits the context of a short request.
Which phrase is best for asking a question?
The other options are rude or aggressive.
A: _________ B: بله، بفرمایید؟
This is the standard way to initiate a request.
You need to ask for directions.
Used to get attention before asking.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite for professional settings.
Yes, it can sound demanding. Always add 'ببخشید'.
Wait a moment, then try again or excuse yourself.
Yes, but usually as 'ببخشید، یه لحظه' before a question.
No, it is gender-neutral.
It might help to pause, but it's not a solution for the argument itself.
No, it is the standard 'neutral' politeness level.
Then say 'ببخشید، وقت دارید؟' instead.
No, it is strictly for spoken communication.
Yes, it teaches them politeness.
Yes, it is standard across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
It is the colloquial contraction, which is standard in speech.
Related Phrases
ببخشید
builds onExcuse me
یه لحظه صبر کنید
similarWait a moment
وقت دارید؟
similarDo you have time?
ببخشید مزاحم شدم
specialized formSorry for bothering you
