Meaning
To inquire if something is wrong or if an issue exists.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, dropping the 'Aya' is almost mandatory in casual speech. Saying 'Aya' to a friend might make them think you are joking or being sarcastic. In Dari, 'Mushkil' is also used, but you might hear 'Mushkile hast?' with a slightly different vowel sound. The politeness level remains high. Tajik speakers use the Cyrillic script (Оё мушкиле ҳаст?). The structure is identical to Persian but the 'Aya' (Oyo) is used more frequently in media. During negotiations, this phrase is a 'soft' way to ask for a discount or to point out a contract error without being aggressive.
The 'Aya' Rule
If you want to sound like a native in a cafe, drop the 'Aya' but keep the rising intonation at the end.
Don't be aggressive
Avoid saying 'Moshkel dari?' (Do you have a problem?) unless you are actually looking for a fight.
Meaning
To inquire if something is wrong or if an issue exists.
The 'Aya' Rule
If you want to sound like a native in a cafe, drop the 'Aya' but keep the rising intonation at the end.
Don't be aggressive
Avoid saying 'Moshkel dari?' (Do you have a problem?) unless you are actually looking for a fight.
Wait for the second answer
Due to Ta'arof, people might say 'No' the first time. Ask twice if you really think something is wrong.
Use with 'Bebakhshid'
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) to make the inquiry softer.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal question.
آیا ______ هست؟
The indefinite 'i' is required to say 'A problem'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a waiter to ask a customer?
A customer is looking at their plate but not eating.
This is the most polite and professional option.
Match the phrase to the context.
1. مشکلی هست؟ 2. آیا مشکلی هست؟ 3. چیزی شده؟
Formal particles are for bosses; 'Chizi shode' is for close family.
Fill in the missing line.
علی: (با صدای بلند) من این را دوست ندارم! سارا: آرام باش. ______؟
Sara is checking why Ali is shouting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'آیا مشکلی هست؟'
Professional
- • Meetings
- • Emails
- • Interviews
Service
- • Restaurants
- • Hotels
- • Shops
Social
- • Concern for friends
- • Awkward silences
Practice Bank
4 exercisesآیا ______ هست؟
The indefinite 'i' is required to say 'A problem'.
A customer is looking at their plate but not eating.
This is the most polite and professional option.
1. مشکلی هست؟ 2. آیا مشکلی هست؟ 3. چیزی شده؟
Formal particles are for bosses; 'Chizi shode' is for close family.
علی: (با صدای بلند) من این را دوست ندارم! سارا: آرام باش. ______؟
Sara is checking why Ali is shouting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's mostly for formal writing or very polite speech. In daily life, intonation does the work.
Yes, it is very appropriate for a professional setting.
'Moshkel' is a general problem; 'Mas'ale' is more like a 'matter' or 'issue' to be discussed.
Say 'نه، همه چیز خوب است' (No, everything is good).
Only if your tone is sharp. With a soft tone, it sounds caring.
Yes, it's the standard way to ask if a system has an error.
It's the indefinite marker, turning 'problem' into 'a problem'.
Yes, 'Chizi shode?' is the casual equivalent.
It's grammatically weak. Always use 'moshkeli'.
Rarely in its modern form, as 'Aya' is more prose-oriented.
Change 'hast' to 'bud': 'Aya moshkeli bud?'
Constantly, especially in dramas like 'A Separation' during tense scenes.
Related Phrases
مشکلی نیست
contrastThere is no problem / It's okay
چیزی شده؟
similarHas something happened?
ایرادی ندارد
synonymNo problem / No flaw
خسته نباشید
builds onDon't be tired
مسئلهای نیست
synonymIt's not an issue
