Meaning
Asking if someone is occupied or unavailable.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means that even if someone is very busy, they will likely say they are not. You must look for subtle signs of stress. In fast-paced Tehran, people are becoming more direct. However, starting with a polite 'Âyâ šomâ mašğul hastid?' still opens doors much faster. In Afghanistan, the word 'masruf' (مصروف) is often used instead of 'mashghul' to mean busy. Tajik speakers might use 'band' (بند) more frequently in formal settings than Iranians do.
The 'Âyâ' Rule
If you use 'Âyâ', you don't need to raise your voice at the end of the sentence like a typical English question.
Wait for the Pause
After asking this, wait 2 seconds. Iranians often need a moment to finish a thought before they give you their full 'Ta'arof' attention.
Meaning
Asking if someone is occupied or unavailable.
The 'Âyâ' Rule
If you use 'Âyâ', you don't need to raise your voice at the end of the sentence like a typical English question.
Wait for the Pause
After asking this, wait 2 seconds. Iranians often need a moment to finish a thought before they give you their full 'Ta'arof' attention.
Don't be too formal
If you say this to a waiter, it's fine. If you say it to your roommate, they will think you are mad at them.
Test Yourself
Choose the most polite way to ask a professor if they are busy.
ببخشید استاد، ...؟
The use of 'Âyâ' and 'shomâ' makes it the most respectful choice for a professor.
Complete the formal question.
آیا شما در حال حاضر ___ هستید؟
'Mashghul' is the correct adjective for a person being busy.
What is the most common polite response to this question?
A: آیا شما مشغول هستید؟ B: ___
'Dar khedmatam' (I am at your service) is the standard polite response in Ta'arof.
Match the phrase to the person you would say it to.
1. آیا شما مشغول هستید؟ 2. مشغولی؟
Formal for superiors, informal for friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید استاد، ...؟
The use of 'Âyâ' and 'shomâ' makes it the most respectful choice for a professor.
آیا شما در حال حاضر ___ هستید؟
'Mashghul' is the correct adjective for a person being busy.
A: آیا شما مشغول هستید؟ B: ___
'Dar khedmatam' (I am at your service) is the standard polite response in Ta'arof.
1. آیا شما مشغول هستید؟ 2. مشغولی؟
Formal for superiors, informal for friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but only with people you know well. It's like saying 'Busy?' instead of 'Are you busy?'.
'Mashghul' is for people/tasks. 'Sholugh' is for crowds/traffic/places.
In writing and formal speech, yes. In daily conversation, people usually drop it and just use intonation.
You can say 'Man mashghul hastam' (formal) or 'Kar daram' (common).
Related Phrases
سرت شلوغ است؟
similarIs your head busy/crowded?
وقت دارید؟
similarDo you have time?
مزاحم نیستم؟
builds onAm I not a nuisance?
آزاد هستید؟
contrastAre you free?
