Meaning
To become mad or irritated.
Cultural Background
In Iranian social etiquette, showing extreme anger in public is often seen as 'bi-adabi' (impoliteness). People may use 'nārāhat' (upset) to downplay their anger. Tehran's heavy traffic is a universal excuse for 'asabāni shodan'. It is socially acceptable to be 'asabāni' if you've been in traffic for two hours. Classical poetry often uses 'khashm' (wrath) for kings and heroes, while 'asabāni' is the modern, more 'human' and 'nervous' version of the emotion. The phrase 'Az dast-e kasi asabāni shodan' implies that the person's *actions* (their 'hand') caused the anger, which slightly softens the personal blow.
The 'Az' Rule
Always remember: you are angry FROM someone in Persian. 'Az dast-e to' is your best friend.
Don't over-use it
In Persian culture, saying you are 'asabāni' can sound quite strong. Use 'nārāhat' if you just want to show you're bothered.
Meaning
To become mad or irritated.
The 'Az' Rule
Always remember: you are angry FROM someone in Persian. 'Az dast-e to' is your best friend.
Don't over-use it
In Persian culture, saying you are 'asabāni' can sound quite strong. Use 'nārāhat' if you just want to show you're bothered.
Spoken Shortcut
In Tehran, people often say 'asabi shodam' instead of 'asabāni shodam'. It's shorter and very common.
Ta'arof and Anger
If someone says 'Asabāni nasho' (Don't get mad), they are often trying to soften a piece of bad news they are about to give you.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'shodan'.
دیروز وقتی ترافیک را دیدم، خیلی عصبانی ______.
The sentence starts with 'Diruz' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense first-person singular: 'shodam'.
Which sentence uses the correct preposition?
I got angry at my friend.
In Persian, to be angry 'at' someone, we use 'az dast-e' (from the hand of).
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا اینقدر قرمزی؟ B: چون از حرفهای کامران خیلی ________.
Being 'red' (ghermez) is a common physical sign of being 'asabāni' (angry).
Match the reaction to the situation.
Situation: Your internet disconnects during an important meeting.
Frustration with technology is a prime context for 'asabāni shodan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Anger vs. Sadness
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز وقتی ترافیک را دیدم، خیلی عصبانی ______.
The sentence starts with 'Diruz' (Yesterday), so we need the past tense first-person singular: 'shodam'.
I got angry at my friend.
In Persian, to be angry 'at' someone, we use 'az dast-e' (from the hand of).
A: چرا اینقدر قرمزی؟ B: چون از حرفهای کامران خیلی ________.
Being 'red' (ghermez) is a common physical sign of being 'asabāni' (angry).
Situation: Your internet disconnects during an important meeting.
Frustration with technology is a prime context for 'asabāni shodan'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's a standard emotional descriptor. It's not a swear word or rude, though the emotion itself can be intense.
Yes, it covers everything from mild annoyance to being very mad.
'Asabāni' is the state of being angry right now. 'Asabi' can mean 'angry' but also 'a nervous/high-strung person' as a personality trait.
You say: 'To marā asabāni mikoni' (using kardan).
Yes, use 'Man kami nārāhat shodam' (I got a bit upset).
No, always use 'az' or 'az dast-e'. Using 'be' is a common English-speaker mistake.
No. For 'insane', use 'divāneh'.
Use the present continuous: 'Dāram asabāni mishavam'.
Rarely. It sounds like a movie villain or a history book.
'Ārām shodan' (to become calm).
Yes, 'Sag asabāni shod' (The dog got mad) is perfectly fine.
Yes, it's acceptable in journalism and standard prose.
Related Phrases
از کوره در رفتن
similarTo lose one's temper
ناراحت شدن
contrastTo become upset/sad
عصبانی کردن
builds onTo make someone angry
خشمگین شدن
synonymTo become wrathful
شاکی شدن
specialized formTo get fed up/annoyed
