Meaning
Advice to take one's time and not be hurried.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a key part of 'Ta'arof'. Even if you are in a hurry, you might say 'Ajale nakonid' to your guest to show that their comfort is your priority. In the heavy traffic of Tehran, drivers often use this phrase ironically or as a genuine plea for safety. It's a common sticker on the back of trucks. Classical poets like Sa'di emphasize that 'patience' (Sabr) is the key to success. 'Ajale nakonid' is the modern spoken version of this ancient wisdom. In Dari, the phrase is also used, but 'Vara-khata nasho' is a common regional alternative that means 'Don't get flustered/hurried'.
The 'Ta'arof' Shield
Use this phrase to be extra polite when someone is doing you a favor. it shows you are a considerate person.
Don't use with your boss
Unless you have a very close relationship, telling your boss 'Ajale nakonid' might sound like you are telling them how to do their job.
Meaning
Advice to take one's time and not be hurried.
The 'Ta'arof' Shield
Use this phrase to be extra polite when someone is doing you a favor. it shows you are a considerate person.
Don't use with your boss
Unless you have a very close relationship, telling your boss 'Ajale nakonid' might sound like you are telling them how to do their job.
Pair with 'Rahat bashid'
Saying 'Rahat bashid, ajale nakonid' (Be comfortable, don't rush) is the ultimate polite combo for hosts.
The Devil's Work
Mentioning 'Ajale kar-e sheytane' will make you sound like a native speaker and add a touch of humor.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
خانم محمدی، لطفاً در رانندگی ______.
Since we are addressing 'Khanom-e Mohammadi' (a formal title), we must use the formal/plural ending '-id'.
Which response is the most polite when a waiter says the food is late?
گارسون: ببخشید غذا دیر شد.
'Ajale nakonid' is the standard polite way to reassure someone in a service role.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
The endings -id, -i (zero), and -im change the subject of the command.
Fill in the missing line to complete the polite exchange.
علی: من خیلی استرس دارم، باید سریع این کار را تمام کنم. سارا: _________، کیفیت مهمتر است.
Sara is talking to Ali (informal), so she uses 'Ajale nakon' to calm him down.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesخانم محمدی، لطفاً در رانندگی ______.
Since we are addressing 'Khanom-e Mohammadi' (a formal title), we must use the formal/plural ending '-id'.
گارسون: ببخشید غذا دیر شد.
'Ajale nakonid' is the standard polite way to reassure someone in a service role.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The endings -id, -i (zero), and -im change the subject of the command.
علی: من خیلی استرس دارم، باید سریع این کار را تمام کنم. سارا: _________، کیفیت مهمتر است.
Sara is talking to Ali (informal), so she uses 'Ajale nakon' to calm him down.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, it's used for decisions, speaking, eating, and any life process.
Yes, it's very common in professional emails to say 'In a convenient time, don't rush'.
The singular/informal form is 'Ajale nakon'.
No, it's actually very polite if said with a kind tone, as it shows concern for their comfort.
You say 'Ajale daram' (عجله دارم).
'Ajale' is common speech; 'Shitab' is literary and poetic.
The 'd' is often dropped in the spoken Tehran dialect.
Yes, it's a perfect and polite way to ask them to slow down.
Not really, but 'Aram' (Slowly) can sometimes convey a similar meaning.
Grammatically it is an imperative, but socially it is usually an invitation or advice.
You say 'Be man ajale nadid' or simply 'Ajale nakon' to the person rushing you.
Yes, it's perfectly understood and used in Dari.
Yes, it's a great way to tell them you prefer safety over speed.
Using the informal form with a stranger.
Related Phrases
با حوصله
similarWith patience/care
آرام باش
similarBe calm
زود باش
contrastHurry up!
فرصت هست
builds onThere is opportunity/time
شتابزدگی
specialized formHastiness (noun)
