Meaning
A polite request for someone to speed up their actions.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ta'arof' means that even when you are in a hurry, you must remain polite. Directly telling someone to 'Hurry' without 'Lotfan' can be seen as aggressive. In Tehran, traffic is a major part of life. 'Lotfan ajale kon' is often used specifically to beat the 'traffic peaks' (sa'at-e terafik). In Iranian business, deadlines are often negotiated. Using 'Lotfan ajale konid' signals that a deadline is firm and non-negotiable. When a guest is leaving, a host might say 'Ajale nakon' (Don't hurry) as a way of saying 'Please stay longer'.
The 'Lotfan' Buffer
Always start with 'Lotfan' to avoid sounding like you are barking orders. It changes the tone from a command to a request.
Don't use with Elders
Even with 'Lotfan', using the singular 'kon' with an elder is a major faux pas. Use 'konid'.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to speed up their actions.
The 'Lotfan' Buffer
Always start with 'Lotfan' to avoid sounding like you are barking orders. It changes the tone from a command to a request.
Don't use with Elders
Even with 'Lotfan', using the singular 'kon' with an elder is a major faux pas. Use 'konid'.
The 'Ajale Nakon' Trap
If an Iranian host tells you 'Ajale nakon' when you're leaving, they are being polite. You should still probably leave if it's late!
Body Language
Pair this phrase with a glance at your watch or a slight lean forward to convey urgency non-verbally.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'kardan'.
سارا، لطفاً برای رفتن به مدرسه عجله ___.
Since the speaker is addressing 'Sara' (informal/singular), the correct imperative is 'kon'.
Which phrase is the most appropriate to say to your teacher if you are both late for a class?
To a teacher:
'Lotfan ajale konid' uses the formal plural form, which is respectful for a teacher.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: تاکسی دم در منتظره. B: دارم میام، فقط کیفم رو بردارم. A: ________
The context of a waiting taxi requires a request for speed.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at the airport and the gate is closing.
Urgency at an airport gate matches the phrase 'Lotfan ajale kon'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ajale Kon vs. Zood Bash
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسارا، لطفاً برای رفتن به مدرسه عجله ___.
Since the speaker is addressing 'Sara' (informal/singular), the correct imperative is 'kon'.
To a teacher:
'Lotfan ajale konid' uses the formal plural form, which is respectful for a teacher.
A: تاکسی دم در منتظره. B: دارم میام، فقط کیفم رو بردارم. A: ________
The context of a waiting taxi requires a request for speed.
Situation: You are at the airport and the gate is closing.
Urgency at an airport gate matches the phrase 'Lotfan ajale kon'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, as long as you include 'Lotfan' and use the correct formality level (singular for friends, plural for others).
Yes, but in a formal email, 'Lotfan tasri bafarmaeed' is better.
'Ajale kon' is 'Hurry up', while 'Zood bash' is 'Be quick'. 'Zood bash' is more informal and can be more impatient.
You say 'Ajale nakon'.
It is an Arabic loanword that is fully integrated into Persian.
In very informal speech, yes, with a specific intonation, but it's better to include 'kon'.
Use the plural: 'Lotfan ajale konid'.
Yes, 'Yalla' or 'Bodo' are very common slang alternatives.
It's a religious/cultural proverb meaning haste leads to mistakes. People say it to advise patience.
Yes, but use the formal 'Lotfan ajale konid'.
Usually, yes, but 'Ajale kon لطفاً' is also possible, though less common.
It's a clear 'n' sound, like in 'can'.
Related Phrases
زود باش
similarBe quick
بدو
specialized formRun
شتاب کن
synonymHasten
وقت نداریم
builds onWe don't have time
دیر شد
builds onIt's late
