Meaning
To feel strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility towards another person.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ghar' is closely linked to being 'asabani'. When someone is angry, they may stop speaking to the other person for days. Breaking the 'Ghar' often requires a third party to intervene. In the high-stress environment of Tehran, 'asabaniyat' is often blamed on 'traffic' or 'pollution'. It's a socially acceptable excuse for being short-tempered. While 'asabani' is used, 'khafa' (خفه) is also very common in Dari to mean 'upset' or 'angry' with someone. Directly saying 'I am angry' to a client is rare. Instead, one might say 'I am concerned' or 'There is a misunderstanding' to maintain professional 'Taarof'.
The 'Hand' Trick
Add 'dast-e' (hand of) before the person to sound 100% more like a native speaker: 'Az dast-e to' instead of just 'Az to'.
Preposition Alert
Never use 'ba' (with). It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
To feel strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility towards another person.
The 'Hand' Trick
Add 'dast-e' (hand of) before the person to sound 100% more like a native speaker: 'Az dast-e to' instead of just 'Az to'.
Preposition Alert
Never use 'ba' (with). It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Softening the Blow
If you want to be polite, say 'Ye kam' (a little) before 'asabani': 'Ye kam azat asabani-am'.
Silent Treatment
If someone says they are 'asabani' and then stops talking, they are likely 'Ghar'. Don't keep pushing; give them space.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
من ... سارا عصبانی هستم.
In Persian, we always use 'az' (from) with 'asabani budan'.
Which sentence is the most natural informal way to say 'I'm mad at you'?
Choose the best option:
'Azat' and the '-am' ending are the standard informal contractions.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are all related to the emotional state of anger.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا با من حرف نمیزنی؟ B: چون خیلی ... عصبانیام!
'Az dastet' (from your hand) is the most common way to express anger in a dialogue.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Preposition Comparison
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ... سارا عصبانی هستم.
In Persian, we always use 'az' (from) with 'asabani budan'.
Choose the best option:
'Azat' and the '-am' ending are the standard informal contractions.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related to the emotional state of anger.
A: چرا با من حرف نمیزنی؟ B: چون خیلی ... عصبانیام!
'Az dastet' (from your hand) is the most common way to express anger in a dialogue.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsUsually no. Use 'asabam khorde' (my nerves are smashed) for things like slow internet or a broken car.
'Asabani' is common and everyday; 'khashmgin' is formal, literary, and implies much stronger rage.
Use 'Az dast-e khodam asabani-am'.
No, it's a standard adjective for an emotion. However, telling a superior you are 'asabani' can be seen as blunt.
Persian views the person as the source of the feeling. The feeling comes *from* them to you.
Say 'Asabani nasho' (Don't become angry) or 'Az dastam asabani nabash'.
It literally means 'my nerves are eaten/smashed'. It's a very common way to say 'I'm stressed/annoyed'.
Only if you are describing a past situation professionally. Don't say you are 'asabani' during the interview!
Yes, 'shaki budan' or 'faze دعوا داشتن' (having a fight vibe).
No. For 'nervous/anxious', use 'esters dashtan' or 'negaran budan'.
Ma az shoma asabani hastim (We are angry with you).
'Khosh-hal' (happy) or 'Aram' (calm).
Yes: 'Man az donya asabani hastam'.
Rarely. Classical poetry uses 'khashm' or 'ghazab'.
Related Phrases
از کوره در رفتن
similarTo lose one's temper
ناراحت بودن
similarTo be upset/unhappy
خشمگین بودن
synonymTo be furious
شاکی بودن
similarTo be complaining/dissatisfied
بیخیال بودن
contrastTo be indifferent/carefree
