Meaning
Used to interrupt someone politely or ask for a brief pause.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'Bebakhshid' is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or a hand on the chest. This physical gesture reinforces the sincerity of the apology. In Dari (Afghan Persian), 'Bubakhshen' is the common pronunciation. The usage remains identical for interrupting or asking for time. In a Persian business meeting, interrupting without saying 'Bebakhshid' can be seen as a sign of arrogance or lack of 'adab' (culture/manners). On Iranian social media (Instagram/Telegram), 'Ye lahze' is often used in captions to build suspense before a video reveal.
The 'One Finger' Rule
In Iran, raising your index finger slightly while saying this phrase is a very common and polite non-verbal cue.
Don't be too fast
Say the phrase clearly. If you mumble it, people might think you are just saying 'Bebakhshid' (Sorry) and keep talking.
Meaning
Used to interrupt someone politely or ask for a brief pause.
The 'One Finger' Rule
In Iran, raising your index finger slightly while saying this phrase is a very common and polite non-verbal cue.
Don't be too fast
Say the phrase clearly. If you mumble it, people might think you are just saying 'Bebakhshid' (Sorry) and keep talking.
The 'Ye' Shortcut
Use 'Ye lahze' instead of 'Yek lahze' to sound 10x more like a local in Tehran.
Ta'arof Power
Using this phrase even when you don't strictly *need* to shows you have great 'Adab' (manners).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
ببخشید، یک _______ لطفا.
'Lahze' (moment) is the correct word for a short pause.
Which form of the verb is most polite when speaking to a stranger?
_______، لحظهای صبر کنید.
The plural imperative 'Bebakhshid' is the polite honorific form.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: میخواهی با من به بازار بیایی؟ B: _______، باید لباسم را عوض کنم.
B needs a moment to change clothes, so 'Bebakhshid lahze-i' is perfect.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a meeting and your boss asks you a question, but you need to find the file on your computer.
This phrase politely asks for time to search for the file.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels of 'Wait'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، یک _______ لطفا.
'Lahze' (moment) is the correct word for a short pause.
_______، لحظهای صبر کنید.
The plural imperative 'Bebakhshid' is the polite honorific form.
A: میخواهی با من به بازار بیایی؟ B: _______، باید لباسم را عوض کنم.
B needs a moment to change clothes, so 'Bebakhshid lahze-i' is perfect.
You are in a meeting and your boss asks you a question, but you need to find the file on your computer.
This phrase politely asks for time to search for the file.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsMostly, yes. But it's also 'Excuse me' and 'Pardon'. It's a multi-purpose politeness word.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate. In fact, it's expected if you need to interrupt them.
'Lahze' is a moment, 'saniye' is a second. 'Lahze' sounds a bit more formal and poetic.
It's the indefinite marker, meaning 'a' or 'one'.
Yes, but adding 'Bebakhshid' makes it much more polite.
To a stranger or superior, yes. To a close friend, it's fine but still a bit blunt.
Say 'Ye saniye' or 'Ye lahze'.
You can say 'Bebakhshid, chand daghighe' (Excuse me, a few minutes).
Literally, yes. It's the imperative form of 'to forgive'.
Yes, though the pronunciation might be slightly different (e.g., 'Bubakhshed').
Yes, it's a great way to ask someone to move aside for a moment.
Usually 'Khahesh mikonam' (I request/You're welcome) or 'Hatman' (Certainly).
Related Phrases
یک دقیقه
similarOne minute
یه سانیه
informalOne second
اجازه بدید
builds onAllow me
صبر کنید
similarWait
معذرت میخوام
synonymI apologize
