Meaning
Expressing a feeling of weariness and lack of interest.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Hosele' is often linked to the pace of life. In Iranian culture, social interactions are long and winding. Having 'hosele' is seen as a virtue, especially when listening to elders or engaging in Ta'arof. Among young people in Tehran, 'Hosele-am sar rafte' is a common social lubricant. It's used as an excuse to call someone or to suggest going to a cafe or 'dor-dor' (driving around). Classical poets like Hafez and Rumi often speak of 'Malaal' (weariness). 'Hosele' is the modern, more colloquial descendant of these deep existential feelings. In Afghanistan, the phrase is also understood, but they might more frequently use 'Jigaram khoon ast' for deeper sadness or 'Deltang shodam' for missing someone, which can overlap with boredom.
The 'm' trick
In spoken Persian, always use the short suffix: 'Hosele-m' instead of 'Hosele-am'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't be too blunt
Telling someone 'Hosele-m-o sar bordi' is quite aggressive. Use it only with very close friends or siblings.
Meaning
Expressing a feeling of weariness and lack of interest.
The 'm' trick
In spoken Persian, always use the short suffix: 'Hosele-m' instead of 'Hosele-am'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't be too blunt
Telling someone 'Hosele-m-o sar bordi' is quite aggressive. Use it only with very close friends or siblings.
The 'Bikari' connection
Often, Iranians say 'Az bikari حوصلهام سر رفته' (I'm bored from having nothing to do). Adding the reason makes you sound more fluent.
Tea is the cure
If someone tells you they are bored, the most 'Persian' response is to offer them tea or a snack.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct possessive suffix.
من امروز کار ندارم، حوصله____ سر رفته.
Since the subject is 'من' (I), the suffix must be '-am'.
Which sentence means 'The movie was boring'?
Choose the correct option:
When an object (like a movie) causes boredom, we use the transitive 'sar bordan'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا نشستی اینجا؟ B: ______________.
B is explaining their own state of boredom.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are stuck in a 2-hour traffic jam.
Boredom/impatience is the natural reaction to traffic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bored vs. Tired
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن امروز کار ندارم، حوصله____ سر رفته.
Since the subject is 'من' (I), the suffix must be '-am'.
Choose the correct option:
When an object (like a movie) causes boredom, we use the transitive 'sar bordan'.
A: چرا نشستی اینجا؟ B: ______________.
B is explaining their own state of boredom.
You are stuck in a 2-hour traffic jam.
Boredom/impatience is the natural reaction to traffic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsMostly, yes. But 'patience' (sabr) is used for waiting for something good, while 'hosele' is the mental energy to deal with something boring or annoying.
No, you need the verb 'sar rafte' or 'nadaram' to complete the thought.
It's better not to! But if you must, use a more formal phrase like 'In dars baraye man kam-i doushoar ast' (This lesson is a bit difficult/tedious for me).
'Sar raft' is past tense (I got bored), 'sar rafte' is present perfect (I am currently in a state of boredom).
Yes, 'Pookidam' (I burst) is very common among teens.
Yes, 'Hosele-am raa sar bordi' means 'You bored me.'
Because 'sar' also means 'top' or 'brim' of a container.
It's used in Iran, Afghanistan (Dari), and Tajikistan (Tajik), though with slight accent variations.
No, it is too informal for a professional email.
There isn't one direct phrase, but 'Khosh gozashtan' (to have a good time) is the opposite state.
It can also mean 'mood' or 'inclination' to do something.
In formal writing 'hosele-am', in speech 'hosele-m'. 'Hosele-yam' is technically correct but rarely used.
Yes, that means 'I am getting bored' (ongoing process).
It is neutral. It's not impolite, but it's very honest about your feelings.
Related Phrases
حوصله ندارم
similarI'm not in the mood / I don't have the energy.
دلم گرفته
similarI feel heavy-hearted / sad.
خسته شدم
contrastI am tired / I've had enough.
بیکارم
builds onI am unemployed / I have nothing to do.
سرگرمی
contrastEntertainment / Hobby.
