Meaning
Expressing regret or an apology.
Cultural Background
When apologizing, it is common to place your right hand over your heart. This signals that the apology is coming from the heart and is not just a polite formality. In Dari, 'Mota'assef hastum' is used similarly, but 'Bakhshish mekhayum' is also very common for apologies. In business, an apology is often followed by an offer to make things right. It is not seen as a sign of weakness but as a sign of professional integrity.
The Hand Gesture
Always try to put your hand on your chest when saying this to an elder; it shows deep respect.
Don't Overuse
If you say it for every tiny thing, it loses its sincerity. Use 'Bebakhshid' for the small stuff.
Meaning
Expressing regret or an apology.
The Hand Gesture
Always try to put your hand on your chest when saying this to an elder; it shows deep respect.
Don't Overuse
If you say it for every tiny thing, it loses its sincerity. Use 'Bebakhshid' for the small stuff.
Add 'Vaghean'
Adding 'Vaghean' (Really) makes the apology sound much more heartfelt in Persian.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'to be' for 'I'.
من واقعا متاسف___.
The suffix '-am' corresponds to 'I am' (Man ... hastam).
Which phrase is best for hearing that a friend's cat is sick?
دوست شما میگوید: گربه من مریض است.
'Mota'assefam' is used to show sympathy for bad news.
Choose the most formal way to say 'I am sorry'.
کدام جمله رسمیتر است؟
'Bisyar' (very) and the full verb 'hastam' make it very formal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: کتاب من را آوردی؟ B: نه، فراموش کردم. ____.
You apologize when you forget to do something you promised.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bebakhshid vs. Mota'assefam
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن واقعا متاسف___.
The suffix '-am' corresponds to 'I am' (Man ... hastam).
دوست شما میگوید: گربه من مریض است.
'Mota'assefam' is used to show sympathy for bad news.
کدام جمله رسمیتر است؟
'Bisyar' (very) and the full verb 'hastam' make it very formal.
A: کتاب من را آوردی؟ B: نه، فراموش کردم. ____.
You apologize when you forget to do something you promised.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, you must add the '-am' (I am) or it sounds like an incomplete thought.
Yes, but for very small things, friends usually say 'Bebakhshid' or 'Sharmandeh'.
No. Use 'Bebakhshid?' or 'Chi?' for that.
Say 'Kheyli mota'assefam'.
Yes, it is the standard way to express regret in professional correspondence.
Usually 'Khahesh mikonam' (You're welcome/Don't mention it) or 'Eshkali nadare' (No problem).
Related Phrases
ببخشید
similarExcuse me / Forgive me
معذرت میخواهم
synonymI apologize
شرمنده
informalAshamed / I'm embarrassed
تسلیت میگویم
specialized formI offer condolences
