Meaning
To stay in one place until an expected event happens.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Entezār' is central to Shia Islam, referring to the expectation of the 12th Imam. This gives the word 'montazer' a deep spiritual resonance beyond just waiting for a bus. Poets like Hafez and Rumi often write about 'entezār' as a state of the soul waiting for the Beloved (God or a lover). It is often depicted as a painful but purifying process. Due to heavy traffic in cities like Tehran, 'montazer māndan' is a shared national experience. It's common to hear people bond over how long they waited in traffic or for a taxi. A host will often say 'Montazer-e tashrif-farmayi-ye shoma hastim' (We are waiting for your arrival) as a high-level formal welcome.
Spoken vs Written
In Tehran, always use 'mūndan' instead of 'māndan' to sound like a local.
Don't forget the 'mi-'
In the present tense, you must include the 'mi-' prefix (mi-mānam), otherwise it sounds like the past tense.
Meaning
To stay in one place until an expected event happens.
Spoken vs Written
In Tehran, always use 'mūndan' instead of 'māndan' to sound like a local.
Don't forget the 'mi-'
In the present tense, you must include the 'mi-' prefix (mi-mānam), otherwise it sounds like the past tense.
The 'Ta'arof' Wait
If someone says 'Montazer-e shoma hastim', they are being polite. You should reply with 'Khedmat mi-resam' (I am coming to serve/visit you).
Compound Verb Rule
Remember that 'montazer' never changes. Only conjugate the 'māndan' part.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'montazer māndan' in the past tense for 'I'.
من دیروز دو ساعت در ایستگاه ______.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (دیروز), so the past tense 'ماندم' is required.
Which sentence correctly says 'Wait for me'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Montazer-e man bemān' is the correct imperative form.
Complete the dialogue.
الف: چرا اینجا ایستادهای؟ ب: ________ تا برادرم بیاید.
The context of 'standing here until my brother comes' implies waiting.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are at the airport and the plane is late.
Waiting for a flight is the most logical action when a plane is late.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Wait vs. Patience
Common Objects of Waiting
Transport
- • اتوبوس
- • تاکسی
- • مترو
Social
- • مهمان
- • خانواده
- • همکار
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز دو ساعت در ایستگاه ______.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (دیروز), so the past tense 'ماندم' is required.
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Montazer-e man bemān' is the correct imperative form.
الف: چرا اینجا ایستادهای؟ ب: ________ تا برادرم بیاید.
The context of 'standing here until my brother comes' implies waiting.
You are at the airport and the plane is late.
Waiting for a flight is the most logical action when a plane is late.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. It's appropriate for both a conversation with a friend and a business email.
Yes, 'montazer budan' (to be waiting) is very common and often interchangeable, though 'māndan' emphasizes the act of staying in place.
Say: 'Man montazer-e otobus mi-mānam'.
'Montazer' is the person who waits (adjective/participle), and 'entezār' is the act of waiting (noun).
No, unlike Spanish or Portuguese, this phrase only means 'to wait'. For 'hope', use 'omidvār budan'.
Say: 'Montazer-e man namān' (formal) or 'Montazer-e man namūn' (informal).
Yes, you can say 'Montazer-e ghazā hastam'.
Yes, 'Montazer-e forsat māndan' is a common expression.
The past participle is 'montazer māndeh'.
'Vaysā' is the slang imperative of 'istādan' (to stand/stop), often used for 'Wait!' in very casual settings.
In very casual speech, people might just say 'Montazeram' (I'm waiting).
Yes, it's perfectly fine for digital contexts.
Related Phrases
صبر کردن
similarTo be patient
انتظار کشیدن
synonymTo endure a wait
چشمبهراه بودن
specialized formTo be looking out for someone
توقف کردن
contrastTo stop
معطل شدن
similarTo be delayed/held up
