Meaning
Stating that one is busy and has many tasks to complete.
Cultural Background
Saying 'I have work' is a standard way to end a phone call politely. It prevents the other person from feeling like you are bored of them. The phrase is identical in Dari, though the pronunciation of 'kheyli' might sound more like 'khayli'. In Tajik, they might use 'Kori ziode doram', using the Cyrillic script: Ман кори зиёде дорам. Second-generation Iranians often mix this with English: 'I have so much kār today!'
Softening the Blow
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' if you are using this to decline an invitation.
The Ta'arof Shield
Use this phrase to escape long social obligations without being rude.
Meaning
Stating that one is busy and has many tasks to complete.
Softening the Blow
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' if you are using this to decline an invitation.
The Ta'arof Shield
Use this phrase to escape long social obligations without being rude.
Don't over-use
If you say it every time, people might think you are avoiding them specifically.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'dāshtan'.
من امروز خیلی کار _______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'dāram'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to decline an invitation?
Can you come to the party?
Adding 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) and 'Vāghe'an' (Really) makes the refusal polite.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all variations of being busy with slight nuances.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Chera dir amadi? (Why are you late?) B: Bebakhshid, dar daftar ______.
Since the question is about being late (past), the answer should be in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن امروز خیلی کار _______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'dāram'.
Can you come to the party?
Adding 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) and 'Vāghe'an' (Really) makes the refusal polite.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all variations of being busy with slight nuances.
A: Chera dir amadi? (Why are you late?) B: Bebakhshid, dar daftar ______.
Since the question is about being late (past), the answer should be in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in an office. For very formal settings, use 'mashghool hastam'.
Yes, it applies to any kind of task, including studying or chores.
'Kār dāram' is more literal (I have tasks). 'Saram shologhe' is more idiomatic (I'm busy/swamped).
You say 'Kār nadāram' or 'Bikāram'.
No, but it's better to say 'Bebakhshid maman, emrouz kheli kār dāram'.
No, 'busy' is not a Persian word. Use 'mashghool' if you want an adjective, but 'kār dāram' is better.
The phrase 'kheyli kār dāram' already implies 'to do'.
Say 'Ye kār dāram' (I have a task/something to do).
No, it can mean a chore, an errand, or any task.
You can also use 'ziād' or 'koli' (informal).
Related Phrases
سرم شلوغه
similarMy head is busy/crowded.
دستم بنده
specialized formMy hands are tied/busy.
وقت ندارم
similarI don't have time.
گرفتارم
similarI am involved/caught up.
