Meaning
Asking someone to pause briefly.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Sabr' is a moral virtue. Being patient is seen as a sign of maturity and nobility. In the fast-paced capital, 'Ye lahze' (one moment) is often used hurriedly, sometimes even as a way to interrupt someone politely. Using 'Chand lahze sabr konid' is essential in Ta'arof. It shows you are taking the other person's request seriously and giving it time. Hosts use this phrase to prevent guests from leaving too early, often followed by an offer of more food or tea.
The 'Lotfan' Boost
Always add 'Lotfan' (Please) at the beginning or end to make it sound 100% natural and polite.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this with your best friend, they might think you are being sarcastic or angry. Stick to 'Ye lahze'.
Meaning
Asking someone to pause briefly.
The 'Lotfan' Boost
Always add 'Lotfan' (Please) at the beginning or end to make it sound 100% natural and polite.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this with your best friend, they might think you are being sarcastic or angry. Stick to 'Ye lahze'.
Ta'arof Timing
In Iran, 'a few moments' can sometimes mean 10 minutes. It's a polite way of saying 'I'm working on it' rather than a literal time estimate.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct formal ending for the verb 'Sabr kardan'.
ببخشید آقا، لطفاً چند لحظه صبر _______.
Since the speaker addresses the person as 'Agha' (Sir), the formal '-id' ending is required.
Which of these is the most appropriate for a close friend?
Which phrase should you use with your best friend?
'Ye lahze sabr kon' is the informal version used with friends and family.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are a bank teller and need to check a balance.
This is the standard, polite professional response in a service setting.
Fill in the missing line in this phone conversation.
A: سلام، با مدیر کار داشتم. B: سلام، _________ تا وصل کنم.
This is the standard way to ask someone to hold while transferring a call.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Chand Lahze Sabr Konid'
Professional
- • Bank
- • Office
- • Interview
Service
- • Shop
- • Restaurant
- • Hotel
Social
- • Strangers
- • Elders
- • Guests
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید آقا، لطفاً چند لحظه صبر _______.
Since the speaker addresses the person as 'Agha' (Sir), the formal '-id' ending is required.
Which phrase should you use with your best friend?
'Ye lahze sabr kon' is the informal version used with friends and family.
Situation: You are a bank teller and need to check a balance.
This is the standard, polite professional response in a service setting.
A: سلام، با مدیر کار داشتم. B: سلام، _________ تا وصل کنم.
This is the standard way to ask someone to hold while transferring a call.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. It's more like 'a short while'. It could be 10 seconds or 3 minutes.
Yes, 'yek lahze' (one moment) is very common and slightly more informal than 'chand lahze'.
This is a rule in Persian grammar: nouns following numbers or quantity words stay singular.
To a stranger or an elder, yes, it is very rude. To a child or a close friend, it's normal.
You would say 'Montazer-e man bemanid' or 'Sabr konid ta man biayam'.
The most formal way is 'Khaheshmandam andaki tammol bafarma'id'.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for professional emails when asking for time to review a document.
No, it can also mean 'patience' or 'endurance' in a more general sense.
Use 'Montazer bemanid' and specify the time, e.g., 'Nim saat montazer bemanid' (Wait for half an hour).
Yes, 'Ye dige vaysa' (Wait a minute) is very common slang in Tehran.
Related Phrases
منتظر بمانید
synonymPlease remain waiting.
تامل کنید
specialized formReflect/Pause for a moment.
عجله نکنید
contrastDon't rush.
گوشی دستتون
specialized formHold the line (phone).
