Meaning
A polite warning or advice to act with caution.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used as a form of 'Ta'arof' to show concern, even if no real danger exists. It's a way to build rapport. In Dari, 'Movaazeb baash' is more common, but 'Moragheb' is understood in formal contexts. Tajik speakers might use 'Ehtiyot shavand' more frequently in formal writing. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'Lotfan' is often dropped in the metro, and you just hear 'Moragheb-e fasele bashid'.
The 'Ezafe' Rule
If you want to say 'Be careful of X', add a small 'e' sound to Moragheb: 'Moragheb-e X bashid'.
Don't be too formal with kids
If you say 'Lotfan moragheb bashid' to a child, they might think you are a stranger. Use 'Movaazeb baash' instead.
Meaning
A polite warning or advice to act with caution.
The 'Ezafe' Rule
If you want to say 'Be careful of X', add a small 'e' sound to Moragheb: 'Moragheb-e X bashid'.
Don't be too formal with kids
If you say 'Lotfan moragheb bashid' to a child, they might think you are a stranger. Use 'Movaazeb baash' instead.
Use it as a 'Goodbye'
Ending a phone call with 'Moragheb-e khodetun bashid' is a very warm and native way to show you care.
Ta'arof Power
Using this phrase even when there is no danger is a great way to practice Ta'arof and sound more like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct formal form of 'to be'.
لطفاً مراقب پلهها ______.
'Bashid' is the formal imperative needed here.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a metro announcement?
Announcement: 'Please be careful of the gap.'
This is the standard formal warning for public spaces.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving your boss's office and want to say 'Take care'.
The addition of 'khodetaan' (yourself - formal) makes it a perfect parting phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چای خیلی داغ است. B: ممنون، ______.
The person responding says 'I am being careful' (Moragheb hastam).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلطفاً مراقب پلهها ______.
'Bashid' is the formal imperative needed here.
Announcement: 'Please be careful of the gap.'
This is the standard formal warning for public spaces.
You are leaving your boss's office and want to say 'Take care'.
The addition of 'khodetaan' (yourself - formal) makes it a perfect parting phrase.
A: چای خیلی داغ است. B: ممنون، ______.
The person responding says 'I am being careful' (Moragheb hastam).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, slightly. 'Moragheb' is preferred in announcements and writing, while 'Movaazeb' is very common in daily speech.
Absolutely. It's a very polite way to end an email to a colleague: 'Lotfan moragheb-e salamati-ye khod bashid'.
'Moragheb' is about watching/guarding, while 'Ehtiyat' is about exercising caution. 'Ehtiyat' is more formal and often used for driving or safety procedures.
You can still use 'Moragheb bashid' (plural), but you would likely drop the 'Lotfan' to make it less stiff.
No, that sounds incomplete. You should at least say 'Moragheb baash!' or 'Movaazeb!'.
It's a politeness marker. Without it, the phrase is a direct command. With it, it's a request.
Yes, it's perfect for that. 'Lotfan moragheb-e khodetaan bashid' is exactly what a doctor or friend would say.
Yes, 'Be-pa!' (بپا) is the slang version, used for immediate warnings like 'Watch out!'.
No, but in a B1/formal context, they are usually paired together for politeness.
It means 'Mind the gap' (literally: be careful of the distance).
Yes, 'Moragheb-e hazine-ha bashid' means 'Be careful with the expenses'.
It can be. It's like the French 'r' or the sound you make when gargling. Practice it slowly!
Related Phrases
مواظب باشید
synonymBe careful / Watchful
احتیاط کنید
similarExercise caution
حواستان باشد
similarKeep your attention
بپایید
specialized formWatch out
مراقب خودتان باشید
builds onTake care of yourself
