Meaning
To ask someone to stop or wait for a short period.
Cultural Background
In Iranian classical poetry recitations (Moshayereh), the 'Maks' is used strategically to build tension before delivering a powerful rhyme. In Dari Persian, 'Maks' is also used, but 'Sabr' is more frequently heard in daily market interactions. Tajik Persian often uses 'Tavaquf' due to Russian influence (similar to 'Pauza'), but 'Maks' remains in formal literature. In Quranic recitation (Tajwid) in Iran, specific signs dictate where a 'Maks' (Waqf) is mandatory or forbidden to preserve meaning.
The Comma Rule
Whenever you see a comma (،) in Persian, that is your visual cue to 'Komi maks konid'.
Polite Thinking
If you don't know an answer in Persian, say 'Komi maks konid...' while you think. It sounds much more native than 'Uhhhh'.
Meaning
To ask someone to stop or wait for a short period.
The Comma Rule
Whenever you see a comma (،) in Persian, that is your visual cue to 'Komi maks konid'.
Polite Thinking
If you don't know an answer in Persian, say 'Komi maks konid...' while you think. It sounds much more native than 'Uhhhh'.
Don't Overdo It
Too many pauses can make you sound unsure of your language skills. Use them only for emphasis or genuine thought.
Body Language
When you pause, maintain eye contact. This shows the 'Maks' is intentional and not because you forgot the word.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
استاد گفت: «لطفاً قبل از پاسخ دادن، ___ کنید.»
The sentence needs the imperative plural form to match the formal address 'استاد'.
Which word is most appropriate for a pause in a speech?
در بین جملات باید ___ کرد.
'Maks' is specifically used for pauses in speech or action for reflection.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are reading a poem and want to emphasize a line.
Pausing after a line in poetry creates emphasis.
Fill in the missing line.
شخص الف: چرا ساکت شدی؟ شخص ب: دارم ___ تا بهترین کلمه را پیدا کنم.
The speaker is talking about their own current action (Present Continuous).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Maks vs. Sabr
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاستاد گفت: «لطفاً قبل از پاسخ دادن، ___ کنید.»
The sentence needs the imperative plural form to match the formal address 'استاد'.
در بین جملات باید ___ کرد.
'Maks' is specifically used for pauses in speech or action for reflection.
You are reading a poem and want to emphasize a line.
Pausing after a line in poetry creates emphasis.
شخص الف: چرا ساکت شدی؟ شخص ب: دارم ___ تا بهترین کلمه را پیدا کنم.
The speaker is talking about their own current action (Present Continuous).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it can be used for any brief stop in action, like pausing a movie or pausing while walking to look at a map.
'Waqf' is more formal and often religious or legal. 'Maks' is the everyday word for a pause.
Yes! 'Maks-e kootah' (short pause) is a very common and natural collocation.
You can say 'ویدیو را مکث کنید' or more commonly 'ویدیو را متوقف کنید'.
Yes, the root is Arabic, but the way it's used with 'kardan' is uniquely Persian.
Yes, a 'Maks' before saying 'I love you' (دوستت دارم) adds a lot of emotional weight!
The opposite would be 'ادامه دادن' (to continue) or 'تداوم' (continuity).
Not if you use a polite tone and add 'lotfan'. It sounds like you are asking for a favor.
Constantly. The rhythm (Aruz) of Persian poetry relies on specific pauses.
Yes, but they are more likely to use 'Vaysa' (Wait/Stop).
Younger people might use 'Stop' (استپ) in the context of games or music.
Usually 'Ye kam maks konid'.
Related Phrases
درنگ کردن
synonymTo hesitate or delay
تأمل کردن
builds onTo reflect deeply
دست نگه داشتن
similarTo hold off
توقف کوتاه
synonymShort stop
